A preliminary study of enamel remineralization by dentifrices based on RecaldentTM (CPP-ACP) and NovaMin® (calcium-sodium-phosphosilicate)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the enamel remineralization potential of two toothpastes, one of which was based on RecaldentTM (CPP- ACP) and the other on NovaMin® (Calcium-sodium-phosphosilicate). Human permanent molar teeth were subjected to three consecutive demineralization cycles. These cycles were followed by remineralization of the experimental groups by toothpastes containing RecaldentTM and NovaMin® respectively. The samples were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscope, (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis (EDX). Extensive demineralization was noted in the control group (without remineralization) while the groups treated with the dentifrices demonstrated various degrees of remineralization, as shown by formation of different types of deposits on the enamel surface. The EDX analysis showed increased amounts of Ca, P, Si and Zn in the enamel of the experimental groups, compared to the control one. Toothpastes containing RecaldentTM and especially NovaMin® have the potential to remineralize enamel, a property which might be important in finding a substitute to pit and fissure sealing.

El objetivo del trabajo fue investigar el potencial de remineralizacion del esmalte de dos pastas dentifricos, una de ella con formulacion basada en RecaldentTM (CPP- ACP) y la otra en NovaMin® (phosphosilicato de calcio y sodio). Se realizaron tres ciclos cosecutivos de desmineralizacion en molares permanentes humanos, seguidos de remineralizacion, en los grupos experimentales con los denti fricos que contenian RecaldentTM y NovaMin® respectivamente. Se analizaron las muestras con microscopia electronica de barrido (SEM) y analisis espectroscopico por dispersion de rayos X (EDX). En el grupo control (sin remineralizacion) se observo una extensa demineralizacion mientras que los grupos tratados con los dentifricos mostraron varios grados de remineralizacion, evidenciados por la formacion de diferentes tipos de depositos sobre la superficie del esmalte. El analisis EDX mostro cantidades aumentadas de Ca, P, Si y Zn en los grupos tratados en comparacion con el grupo control. Los dentifricos conteniendo RecaldentTM y especialmente Nova- Min®, tienen potencial de reminalizacion del esmalte, una propiedad que puede resultar importante como substituto del sellado de fosas y fisuras.

Marginal adaptation and performance of bioactive dental restorative materials in deciduous and young permanent teeth

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the adaptation of different types of restorations towards deciduous and young permanent teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Class V cavities were prepared in deciduous and young permanent teeth and filled with different materials (a conventional glass-ionomer, a resin-modified glass-ionomer, a poly-acid-modified composite resin and a conventional composite resin). Specimens were aged in artificial saliva for 1, 6, 12 and 18 months, then examined by SEM. RESULTS: The composite resin and the polyacid-modified composite had better marginal adaptation than the glass-ionomers, though microcracks developed in the enamel of the tooth. The glass-ionomers showed inferior marginal quality and durability, but no microcracking of the enamel. The margins of the resin-modified glass-ionomer were slightly superior to the conventional glass-ionomer. Conditioning improved the adaptation of the composite resin, but the type of tooth made little or no difference to the performance of the restorative material. All materials were associated with the formation of crystals in the gaps between the filling and the tooth; the quantity and shape of these crystals varied with the material. CONCLUSIONS: Resin-based materials are generally better at forming sound, durable margins in deciduous and young permanent teeth than cements, but are associated with microcracks in the enamel. All fluoride-releasing materials give rise to crystalline deposits.