Assessing in vitro remineralization of primary artificial caries: A systematic review of multi-techniques characterization approaches

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this systematic review is to help the reader in their selection of analytical techniques for a complete and accurate assessment of artificial caries remineralization. Data, sources and study selection: Four databases were scanned independently following PRISMA guidelines and, after setting of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 255 potentially-relevant articles were scrutinized for selection. Based on our hypothesis that at least three characteristics of the newly-formed mineral, i.e. spatial extension, chemical composition and morphology, are requested for assessment, focus was made on 24 articles where at least three methods were used. Conclusion: Twenty different analytical methods were used and 11 studies used at least one technique relevant to each of the three characteristics. However, there was a general lack of quantitative and chemical characterization of the new mineral. These results highlight the scarcity of multi-techniques studies and the low diversity of techniques currently used in this area. We suggest that the combination of qualitative micro computed tomography combined with X-Ray diffraction or vibrational spectroscopies is the most suitable to fully assess the success of artificial caries remineralization. Clinical significance: Modern prospective caries studies require the measurement of small changes in tooth mineral content. This can probably be achieved only by combining several diagnostic tools. Artificial caries allows for a primary practical assessment of such combinations. However, it is important to the improve the awareness and/or availability of some relevant analytical tools and to better connect laboratory and clinical objectives.

Keywords

• Artificial caries
• Remineralization
• Characterizations methods