ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This in-vitro study aimed to evaluate and characterize the hypermineralized zone (Hyper-zone) formed beneath the remineralized dentine lesion body by transverse microradiography (TMR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS). DESIGN: Demineralized bovine dentine specimens were treated with fluoride solutions (APF, NaF) and remineralized for 2-4 weeks. Then thin sections were prepared to characterize the Hyper-zone by TMR, EDS. Fractured specimen surfaces were observed by SEM. RESULTS: TMR analysis revealed a higher mineral density at Hyper-zone than that of sound dentine (48vol%) ranging from 50 up to 61vol% and the thickness ranging from 197 to 344µm for 4-week specimens, while specimens without fluoride treatment did not show Hyper-zone. SEM pictures at Hyper-zone showed no evident crystal-like deposits in dentinal tubules and no notable difference when compared to that in sound dentine. EDS analysis demonstrated higher concentrations of Ca and P at Hyper-zone than those in sound dentine, which corresponded to the TMR profile, while the magnesium (Mg) concentration was low at this zone. CONCLUSIONS: Demineralized dentine lesions exposed to fluoride and remineralization treatments exhibited Hyper-zone beneath the lesion body, in which the mineral density was higher than that of sound dentine. Possible mechanism for the formation of Hyper-zone was discussed by assuming removal of mineral regulators such as Mg and other organic substances from sound dentine during de-/remineralization processes.
Subject(s)
Dentin/chemistry , Dentin/drug effects , Sodium Fluoride/chemistry , Tooth Demineralization/drug therapy , Tooth Remineralization , Administration, Topical , Animals , Calcium/chemistry , Cattle , In Vitro Techniques , Magnesium/chemistry , Microradiography , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Phosphates/chemistry , Sodium Fluoride/administration & dosage , Spectrometry, X-Ray EmissionABSTRACT
This study aimed to evaluate the potential of a new device (Cariotester) for monitoring of incipient carious lesion remineralization in root dentin by topical fluoride in vitro. Demineralized bovine dentin specimens were treated by fluoride solutions (APF or neutral NaF) and remineralized for 4 weeks. Cariotester was used to measure penetration depth (CTR depth) of the indenter into the de- and remineralized specimen surface. The specimens were assessed by transverse microradiography (TMR) to determine lesion parameters (depth: LD, mineral loss: ΔZ). Pearson's correlation analysis showed an overall significant relationship between CTR depth and both TMR parameters. CTR depth appeared to distinguish the positive effect that topical fluoride application had on the remineralization of the outer zone of dentin lesions. Cariotester had the potential to serve as a quantitative tool for monitoring of incipient carious lesion remineralization in root dentin.
