RESUMO
The purpose of this study is to compare and to evaluate the effects of the degree of saturation on the progression of artificial root caries lesion. A total of 8 human premolars without any defects and cracks selected and the cementum were removed and the teeth were cleaned with ultrasonic device and pumice without fluoride. Each tooth was sectioned into 6 pieces and they were ground with #800 sandpaper until they had a thickness of 200microm. Specimens were applied with nail vanish except for the 2-3 mm window area after application of bonding agent. Under the constant pH, the specimens were divided into 6 groups (degree of saturation; 0.1415, 0.1503, 0.1597, 0.1676, 0.1771, 0.1977). Each group was immersed in acid buffer solution for 1, 2, 3, 5 days under controlled temperature (25degrees C) and imbibed in water and examined using the polarizing microscope. The results were as follows 1. Although the degree of saturation of demineralization solution decreased, the depth of penetration in the dentin was constant. 2. Erosion was observed on the surface of all the teeth in the group I, II. In the group III, IV, V, surfaces were not changed. The teeth in the group VI showed the more mineralized surface but not the shape of the dentinal tubules distinctively. 3. In all groups, the lesion progressed rapidly at the first day of the experiment, but increased gradually as time elapsed.