Analysis of Ca/P ratio in dental enamel irradiated with short pulse laser

Abstract

Recently most analyses of Ca and P in different parts of tooth enamel have been performed semiquantitatively. A direct and semi quantitative method for the determination of major and trace elements in human teeth by X-ray spectrometry is reported. The ratio Ca/P has been determined in the surface enamel of the third molar teeth. The surfaces were irradiated with short pulse laser Nd:YAG. The modifications in human dental enamel chemical composition for major and trace elements is here outlined. The accuracy of procedures was performed by analysis of natural hydroxyapatite as standard reference material. Results are consistent with other studies and they have indicated greater ratio Ca/P in irradiated groups in comparison to the non-irradiated group.