J Korean Acad Conserv Dent.  2008 Sep;33(5):481-492. 10.5395/JKACD.2008.33.5.481.

The remineralizing features of pH 5.5 solutions of different degree of saturations on artificially demineralized enamel

• Kwak YJ
• Kim ES
• Park SH
• Gong HK
• Lee Y
• Lee CY

• KMID: 1986787
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5395/JKACD.2008.33.5.481

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to observe and compare the remineralization tendencies of artificially demineralized enamel by remineralization solutions of different degree of saturations at pH 5.5, using a polarizing microscope and computer programs (Photoshop, Image pro plus, Scion Image, Excel). For this study, 36 sound permanent teeth with no signs of demineralization, cracks, or dental restorations were used. The specimens were immersed in lactic acid demineralization solution for 3 days in order to produce dental caries artificially that consist of surface and subsurface lesions. Each of 9 or 10 specimens was immersed in pH 5.5 lactic acid buffered remineralization solution of three different degrees of saturation (0.25, 0.30, 0.35) for 12 days. After the demineralization and remineralization, images were taken by a polarizing microscope (x 100). The results were obtained by observing images of the specimens, and using computer programs, the density of caries lesions were determined. In conclusion, in the group with the lowest degree of saturation, remineralization occurred thoroughly from the surface to the subsurface lesion, whereas in the groups with greater degree of saturation showed no significant change in the subsurface lesion, although there was corresponding increase in the remineralization width on the surface zones.

Keyword

Demineralization; Remineralization; pH; Degree of saturation

MeSH Terms

Dental Caries
Dental Enamel
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Lactic Acid
Software
Tooth
Lactic Acid

Figure

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  Figure 1 Specimen used in the experiment.

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  Figure 2 Polarizing microscopic observation of demineralized enamel (Group 1, × 100).

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  Figure 3 Polarizing microscopic observation of remineralized enamel (Group 1, × 100).

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  Figure 4 Polarizing microscopic observation of demineralized enamel (Group 2, × 100).

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  Figure 5 Polarizing microscopic observation of remineralized enamel (Group 2, × 100).

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  Figure 6 Polarizing microscopic observation of demineralized enamel (Group 3, × 100).

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  Figure 7 Polarizing microscopic observation of remineralized enamel (Group 3, × 100).

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  Figure 8 Change rate of demineralized depth (demineralized depth after remineralization / demineralized depth before remineralization) × 100 (%).

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  Figure 9 Change rate of surface lesion width (surface lesion width after remineralization / surface lesion width before remineralization) × 100 (%).

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  Figure 10 Comparison of density in enamel area before and after remineralization (Group 1).

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  Figure 11 Comparison of density in enamel area before and after remineralization (Group 2).

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  Figure 12 Comparison of density in enamel area before and after remineralization (Group 3).

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  Figure 13 Change rate of mineral density before and after remineralization ((demineralized area before remineralization - demineralized area after remineralization / demineralized area before remineralization) × 100 + 100 (%))

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