Elementary analysis of human dental samples by using SRXRF

Human teeth were analysed by μSRXRF. The measurements were carried out in small areas of the teeth from enamel to root. The aim of this work was to evaluated the local elemental variations in the dental regions, enamel, dentine and pulp from patterns of relative intensities. The distributions of the elements Ca, Zn and Sr were studied. The samples (canine, premolars and molar teeth) were cross-sectioned along the vertical median plane, by polishing the whole tooth in order to obtain a smooth and plane surface, of about 1 mm thick. The measurements were carried out in the XRF beamline of the Synchrotron Light National Laboratory, Campinas, Brazil using a conventional collimation system (orthogonal slits 300 μm x 300 μm). The Ca concentration is quite constant and it is independent of the tooth type and individual characteristics. Ca and Sr distributions show a similar behavior. An increase of the Zn concentration was found for the pulp region and for untreated carious areas. (author)