Heavy metal migration from dental filling materials to calcified oral tissues: an in vitro analysis using LIBS and ICP-MS techniques.

Abstract

This study used ICP-MS and LIBS techniques to assess element migration in healthy, caries-prone, and dental treatment materials in human teeth. The researchers also analyzed the accumulation of significant minerals and toxic elements in calcified tissues. The laser drilling process was monitored in vitro using spectral measurements of the ablated plasma. This study found that while non-mineralizing elements and organic materials increased in concentration, the shift from caries to healthy tooth material was distinguished by a decrease in calcium and phosphorus concentrations. The migration of elements over time, such as Al, Ba, Hg, Pb, and Sr, from dental restorative materials to the tooth matrix, can also be linked to the spatial distribution of these elements. The ICP-MS studies revealed that certain elements had moved from dental cavity fillings to the healthy area of the teeth. These analyses reveal high/low element concentrations inside the tooth matrix, allowing monitoring of mineralization of the hydroxyapatite matrix and element migration, as well as identification of disease states like dental caries.