Qualitative and Quantitative Comparison of the Remineralisation Potential of Three Suitable Materials-An In vitro SMH and SEM Study

Abstract

Introduction: Concept of preventive dentistry is the base for this study which focuses on daily treatment of tooth for prevention of caries using some commercially available remineralizing agents. The mechanism of remineralization in the three dentifrices used were different. There is a need for the dental professional to identify the dentifrice with the best remineralizing potential, from the array of products available in the market. Aim: To determine and compare the remineralizing potential of three remineralizing agents using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (SEM-EDX) and Vickers Microhardness testing (SMH). Materials and Methods: Sixty sound permanent premolar teeth were cut at the cemento-enamel junction. The coronal portions were sectioned mesiodistally and buccolingually to obtain three blocks that were randomly assigned to three groups: CPPACP, Sodium fluoride and Novamin. Baseline microhardness testing and SEM EDX were performed. All the samples were demineralized using McInnes solution and subjected to microhardness testing and SEM EDX analysis. Remineralizing agents were applied on the tooth surface twice daily for 30 days. The final microhardness and EDX values of remineralized enamel in each group were evaluated and compared. Results: The mean SMH values for remineralized enamel showed that Sodium fluoride+f-TCP had the highest value (274.83±13.62) followed by CPP-ACP (266.85±37.80) and Novamin (257.64±93.72) (p<0.005). Elemental analysis of the remineralized enamel showed that enamel treated with Sodium fluoride+f-TCP and Novamin had superior quality and surface property compared to that treated with CPP-ACP. Conclusion: Sodium fluoride with f-TCP was found to be the remineralizing agent that gave qualitatively and quantitatively superior enamel. CPP-ACP and bioactive glass also had remineralizing quality and can be considered as an adjunct to sodium fluoride+fTCP and not as an alternative.

Keywords

• elemental analysis
• enamel
• microhardness
• novamin
• premolars
• remineralizing agents