Analysis of Chemical Composition, Microstructure and Hydroxyapatite Structure for Mouse Teeth

The aim of this study is to determine microstructure, chemical composition and crystal structure of hydroxyapatite for mouth teeth using optical microscopy and electron microscopy as well as electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA). Enamel, a protective cover to the teeth, consisted of rods oriented in regular and had relatively higher crystallinity and Ca component. In contrast, dentin showed a sponge-like microstructure with circular holes which were passages of dentinal tubules, and had higher Mg component than the enamel region due to its higher organic content. Hydroxyapatite crystals appeared as large rods in enamel, but as small needles in dentin. Their electron diffraction patterns were different by their crystallinity as well as by the organic content of the matrix.