A new technique for analyzing trace element uptake by human enamel
Yoshiki Funato, Yasuhiro Matsuda, Katsushi Okuyama, Hiroko Yamamoto, Hisanori Komatsu, Hidehiko Sano, Yoshiki Funato, Yasuhiro Matsuda, Katsushi Okuyama, Hiroko Yamamoto, Hisanori Komatsu, Hidehiko Sano
Abstract
Fluorine (F) and strontium (Sr) are key elements in the de- and remineralization of teeth. To quantitatively analyze the distribution of F and Sr, micro-particle-induced gamma/X-ray emission (PIGE/PIXE) technique was used. The cavities were prepared and filled with the fluoride- and Sr-containing restorative materials (FSCMs) in extracted human molars. The single-section enamel specimens were prepared by slicing from the buccal to lingual surface including the FSCMs. After 5 weeks of automatic pH cycling, the demineralization was calculated by integrated mineral loss (ΔIML) from transverse-microradiography. The distributions of F and Sr were analyzed by the PIGE/PIXE technique. The micro-PIGE/PIXE technique indicated a fluorine uptake difference between the enamel surface and enamel cavity wall. ΔIML of FSCMs were significantly lower than intact enamel. The micro-PIGE/PIXE technique enables measurement of F and Sr uptake from FSCMs into enamel, which would be beneficial for research on caries development and prevention.
Source: PubMed