Nanostructure of Crystal Hydroxyapatite from Fluorosis: Affected Enamel
ABSTRACT Fluorosis is a condition due to ingestion of excessive amounts of fluor which can cause the change the teeth structure and strength. Currently, a little explanation was available to describe the surface and change of nanostructure crystal hydroxyapatite which contribute to influence the macrocharacteristic of fluorosis enamel. Aims and objectives To describe the change of surface structure, c-axis, a-axis and grain size of crystal hydroxyapatite on fluorosis enamel. Materials and methods This research was carried out the fluorosis and normal enamel specimen by using scanning electron microscopy/ energy disperse X-ray (SEM/EDX) to determine fluor concentration and the surfaces structure of fluorosis enamel, and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine change of c- and a-axis of hydroxyapatite of fluorosis enamel. Results Fluor concentration were higher in fluorosis enamel and the surface increasingly roughness and porous. SEM/EDX also confirmed gaps areas between enamel rods and visible aprismatic zone in some regions. The axis on fluorosis enamel was a-axis = 9.3786 Å and c-axis = 6.8836 Å. The a-axis on normal enamel was = 9.4148 Å and c-axis = 6.8791 Å. Grain size of fluorosis enamel was 19.59 nm and normal enamel was 20.30 nm. Conclusion Fluor as most electronegative element changes the c-axis, a-axis, and grain size of crystal hydroxyapatite and generates the internal atomic bonding which influences the stability of enamel strength.