Raman Specroscopy Comparative Characterization of Primary and Permanent Teeth Enamel

Objective: this study aimed characterization of primary and permanent teeth enamel through Raman spectroscopy that identifies organic and inorganic contents through polarization changes associated with molecule vibration modes. Methods: third permanent (n=15) and second primary molars (n=15) were used. Raman spectra were obtained at room temperature (25°C) and samples analyzed for Fourier Transform Raman with 256 scans resolution of 4cm-1 on a Bruker FRA 106/S module attached to Bruker Equinox 55 spectrometer. Liquid N2 cooled Ge detector collected the Raman signal. Results: Raman spectra displayed nine distinct bands ranging from 200 cm-1-3000 cm-1 showing strong vibration of PO4-3 at 960 cm-1 which was also evident for v3 phosphate at 1028-1075 cm-1, v1 phosphate at 591 cm-1 and v2 phosphate at 430 cm -1. The band at 1070 cm -1 was assigned to type B carbonate. The bands at 1245 cm-1, 1451 cm-1, 1667 cm-1 and 2940 cm-1 were identified as amide III, CH2, amide I, and CH2. CH, CH2, amide I, amide III groups identify linkages featured as organic matter, while phosphate and carbonate groups identify linkages featured as in inorganic matter. Data were analyzed using Student's t Test (p≤0.006). There was no statistically significant difference between phosphate bands values for primary and permanent enamel. Deciduous enamel contained significantly more carbonate than permanent enamel (p= 0.003). The CH, amide I and amide III was also significantly higher in deciduous than in permanent enamel (with p=0.0001, p= 0.002, and p= 0.0018 respectively). No statistically significant difference between the CH2 band values for primary and permanent teeth enamel was found. Conclusion: based on employed methodology it could be concluded that enamel of primary teeth has higher amount of organic components, as well as carbonate content. The difference of chemical behavior of the enamel can probably be able to modify their structural characteristics.