Journal of Dental Research, Vol 69, 1522-1526, Copyright © 1990 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals

ARTICLES

Wavelength-independent microradiography: a method for non-destructive quantification of enamel and dentin mineral concentrations using polychromatic x-rays

F. M. Herkstroter and J. J. Ten Bosch
Materia Technica, State University Groningen, The Netherlands.

Wavelength-independent Microradiography (WIM), described in this paper, used polychromatic, high-energy (less than or equal to 60 kV) x-rays for determination of mineral concentrations in tooth material non-destructively. This was done with the aid of a reference step-wedge made of 94% aluminum, 6% zinc. The mass attenuation coefficient of this material has a wavelength-independent ratio to the mass attenuation coefficients of enamel and dentin. With this method, mineral concentrations of enamel and dentin samples, with a thickness up to 500 microns, were determined at 20- and at 60-kV tube voltage. The samples were demineralized for 72 and 144 h and measured again. Comparison of the data showed that mineral quantification was within 1.5%, independent of the x-rays used. Finally, these mineral concentrations--obtained from the Wavelength-independent Microradiography--were compared with measurements of the same samples by Longitudinal Microradiography. A correlation of 0.99 was found for enamel and one of 0.96 for dentin.

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