The use of micro-Raman spectroscopy to differentiate between sound and eroded primary enamel.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate differences in phosphate group concentration between areas of sound and eroded enamel in primary teeth using micro-Raman spectroscopy (MRS).


METHODS
The Raman spectroscopic technique enables researchers to obtain information about molecules by analysing scattered light caused by monochromatic laser excitation. Ten extracted anterior primary teeth with areas of sound and eroded enamel were used. Three, 10-s scans were carried out at three points along a 3-microm linear area in both sound and eroded primary enamel, and Raman spectra were obtained with the LabRam 300 fitted with an Olympus BX40 microscope. Scanning electron microscopy was used to confirm the presence of sound and eroded enamel on each tooth.


RESULTS
The phosphate nu(1) band was located between 958.5 and 967.0 cm(-1). There was no statistically significant difference between the area under the phosphate nu(1) band values for the eroded and sound areas (P = 0.7302). Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the presence of sound and eroded areas on all specimens.


CONCLUSIONS
In this study, there was no statistically significant difference found between phosphate group concentration in eroded and sound primary enamel when analysed by MRS.
Gilchrist
Fiona
F
Edinburgh Postgraduate Dental Institute - Paediatric Dentistry, Edinburgh, UK. fiona.gilchrist@yahoo.co.uk
Santini
Ario
A
Harley
Kathryn
K
Deery
Christopher
C
D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000473:pathology; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010710:Phosphates / Q000032:analysis; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000473:pathology; D014077:Tooth Erosion / Q000473:pathology*; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous
D010710:Phosphates