Trace Element Chemistry of Human Teeth - Leaching of Metals from Dental Amalgam

Laser ablation combined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was used to detect mercury, lead, silver and copper concentrations in human teeth. These metals were selected because they are all found in trace amounts in amalgam fillings and are of particular interest because of their possible toxicity effects resulting from trace amounts entering the blood stream. Secondary teeth extracted from adults, with or without fillings, were obtained from a local dentist. Teeth were cleaned of surface contamination and preserved in methanol. After cleaning, teeth were mounted on clean glass slides using Crystal Bond. Tooth enamel was ablated using a CETAC LSX 213 laser operating at 213 nm coupled with a Perkin Elmer Elan 9000 ICP-MS. Enamel from the crown, just above the gum line and in the vicinity of amalgam fillings was ablated and analyzed using a 200 micron spot size. Trace element distributions in the enamel surrounding fillings were mapped so that migration of these elements from their point of origin could be tracked.