Original scientific paper
Electron microanalysis of the loss of calcium and phosphorus in initial manifestations of human enamel caries
Tonči Staničić
; School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Mladen Stupnišek
; Zavod za metale Strojarskog fakulteta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
Sets containing of four specimens of intact human enamel of 18 teeth
were inserted into volunteers’ partial prostheses. The specimens were exposed to the action of oral cariogenic factors during 7, 14, 21 or 28 days. Electron microanalysis was employed to assess the demineralizing loss of calcium and phosphorus concentrations in experimental specimens, in relation to the original enamel of control specimens. Results showed a significant and steady decrease in Ca and P concentrations in all specimens, which was directly proportional to the duration of specimen exposure to oral cavity conditions. In four specimens with a 28-day oral exposure, an increase in Ca and P concentrations was observed in the most superificial enamel layer, which was explained as activation of the process of remineraliazation.
Keywords
Initial caries; demineralization; electron microanalysis
Hrčak ID:
100872
URI
Publication date:
15.1.1990.
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