Metal distributions in the cementum rings of human teeth: possible depositional chronologies and diagenesis

Synchrotron radiation analysis has been used to study the trace metal distribution in the cementum rings of selected human teeth. The resulting patterns can be used to identify regions within the root cementum, where the metals are unambiguously endogenous. Since the cementum is thought to display annual growth rings the ability to distinguish endogenous from diagenetic deposition in the trace metal content of the cementum rings, may provide a chronology of an individual's metal exposure.