Electron Microprobe Studies on the Chemical Changes in Decayed Teeth

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the chemical changes that occur in the human teeth and present them as 2D mappings. Methods: The decayed permanent human molar teeth were studied using the scanning electron microscope with the electron microprobe that let to detail examination of the chemical contents and morphology of pathological lesions. Results: All the chemical results were spatially related to the details of the tooth structure. Several elements: Ca, P, F, C, O were easily detected and some in minor concentrations: Mg, Sr, Na, Al. The most striking change was the difference in the calcium and magnesium distributions. The enamel was relatively enriched in calcium while the dentine – in magnesium. The correlation between the locations of strontium and phosphor was better than between the calcium and phosphor. The decayed locations were stripped of calcium, magnesium, sodium and phosphor. The same locations were greatly enriched in the carbon and oxygen-rich compounds, possibly organic ones (unidentified in this study). The dentine channels by which the decay widespread in teeth were easily observed. The local destruction of the dental structure was also visible. Conclusion: The scanning electron microscope seems to be an useful tool in the experimental dental morphological evaluation. However, concomitant asses with the electron microprobe allow the detail chemical analysis of the decay process in the teeth.