Comparing enamel composition in pigmented and unpigmented teeth using high-resolution Raman spectroscopy
High-resolution Raman spectroscopy was used to analyze the compositional differences between pigmented incisor enamel (PIE) and unpigmented molar enamel (UME) in rats. The study found that PIE had higher levels of iron, higher mineral crystallinity, and higher acid phosphate and hydroxyl levels compared to UME. The enamel prisms in PIE were also wider and longer than those in UME. These findings provide new insights into enamel biomineralization and highlight the differences in ameloblast function between incisors and molars in rodents.