Abstract
In the therapy for hypersensitivity of tooth, it is well-known that potassium (K) compounds, such as potassium
nitrate and potassium bromide, are often added in toothpastes because it is believed that neurotransmission
is blocked by potassium ions. Recently, we have been proposing the attachment therapy of a hydroxyapatite
(HAp) sheet on dentin for hyperesthesia. It is thought that addition of K ions in HAp sheet is more effective
for relieve pain of tooth hypersensitivity. In this study, we prepared a K-containing HAp (K-HAp) thin film
by pulsed laser deposition and evaluated the material properties, such as solubility, crystallization and atomic
composition. X-ray diffraction results showed that a-axis of K-HAp was shorter than that of the conventional
HAp. Energy dispersive X-ray diffraction results indicated that K ions were contained in the thin film. From
the results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the hydroxy group peaks decreased in tha inclusion
of K. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry results showed that the sustained release of K ions from
the crystalized K-HAp was observed. Thus, the K-HAp sheet is expected to be more effective for therapy of
hyperesthesia compared with the original HAp sheet.
