No abstract

Transverse microradiography (TMR) is considered as the gold standard technique for the evaluation of enamel lesions. Micro-computed tomography (µCT) has the advantage of non-destructive measurements, but the beam-hardening effect with polychromatic x-rays is a major drawback. To date, no study has validated µCT against TMR. The objective of this study was to validate µCT measurements of enamel lesions under various x-ray conditions and software beam-hardening correction (BHC) against TMR. Human molars with natural white-spot lesions were scanned for 5 min by µCT at 100 kV in different conditions: 50 µA (0.5-mm Al filter), 165 µA (0.5-mm Al/0.3-mm Cu), and 200 µA (0.5-mm Al/0.4-mm Cu), with or without BHC. Grayscale values were converted into mineral density values using phantoms. Thin sections at the same positions were then prepared for TMR. Lesion depth (LD; µm) and mineral loss (ΔZ; vol%µm) were compared between µCT and TMR by Pearson's correlations. µCT measurements correlated well with TMR under all conditions (p < 0.001, r > 0.86 for LD and ΔZ), except for 0.5-mm Al without BHC (p > 0.05). Even without BHC, combined Al/Cu filters successfully reduced the beam-hardening effect. µCT can be used as a non-destructive alternative to TMR with comparable parameters for the study of enamel lesions.

No abstract

A technology to characterize early enamel lesions is needed in dentistry. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive method that provides high-resolution cross-sectional images. The aim of this study is to compare OCT with microfocus x-ray computed tomography ([Formula: see text]) for assessment of natural enamel lesions in vitro. Ten human teeth with visible white spot-like changes on the enamel smooth surface and no cavitation (ICDAS code 2) were subjected to imaging by μCT (SMX-100CT, Shimadzu) and 1300-nm swept-source OCT (Dental SS-OCT, Panasonic Health Care). In [Formula: see text], the lesions appeared as radiolucent dark areas, while in SS-OCT, they appeared as areas of increased signal intensity beneath the surface. An SS-OCT attenuation coefficient based on Beer-Lambert law could discriminate lesions from sound enamel. Lesion depth ranged from 175 to [Formula: see text] in SS-OCT. A correlation between [Formula: see text] and SS-OCT was found regarding lesion depth ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) and also surface layer thickness ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). The images obtained clinically in real time using the dental SS-OCT system are suitable for the assessment of natural subsurface lesions and their surface layer, providing comparable images to a laboratory high-resolution [Formula: see text] without the use of x-ray.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of chewing gum containing phosphoryl oligosaccharides of calcium (POs-Ca) and a low concentration of fluoride (F) on the hardness of enamel subsurface lesions, utilizing a double-blind, randomized, and controlled in situ model. Fifteen individuals wore removable lingual appliances with 3 bovine-enamel insets containing subsurface demineralized lesions. Three times a day for 14 days, they chewed one of the 3 chewing gums (placebo, POs-Ca, POs-Ca+F). After the treatment period, cross-sectional mineral content, nanoindentation hardness, and fluoride ion mapping by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) were evaluated. Although there were no statistical differences in overall mineral content and hardness recovery rates between POs-Ca and POs-Ca+F subsurface lesions (p > 0.05), nanoindentation at 1-μm distance increments from the surface showed statistical differences in hardness recovery rate between POs-Ca and POs-Ca+F in the superficial 20-μm region (p < 0.05). Fluoride mapping revealed distribution of the ion up to 20 μm from the surface in the POs-Ca+F group. Nanoindentation and TOF-SIMS results highlighted the benefits of bioavailability of fluoride ion on reinforcement of the superficial zone of subsurface lesions in situ (NCT01377493).

This study evaluated the effect of two desensitizers on inhibition of dentin demineralization, after immersion in artificial saliva using micro-computed tomography (μCT). Dentin blocks cut from bovine incisors were treated with deionized water (DW, a negative control) or one of three desensitizers: a fluoride varnish (Duraphat, a positive control), a calcium phosphate desensitizer (Teethmate Desensitizer), and a fluoro-alumino-calcium silicate-based desensitizer (Nanoseal). After each treatment, the specimens in Duraphat, Nanoseal, and Teethmate Desensitizer groups were pre-immersed in artificial saliva (pH 6.5) for either 1 d or 1 wk. The mineral loss of the specimens after demineralization (pH 5.0, 3 h) was evaluated by μCT. The treated surface was investigated with scanning electron microscopy. Mineral loss in all treatment groups was significantly lower than that in DW. Duraphat was the most effective treatment against demineralization, followed by Nanoseal. Nanoseal showed significantly better reduction in mineral loss following immersion for 1 wk in artificial saliva than for 1 d. However, Teethmate Desensitizer and Duraphat did not exhibit enhanced inhibition of demineralization over a longer period of immersion in artificial saliva. Scanning electron microscopy images showed deposition of particles on the dentin in both Teethmate Desensitizer. The application of Teethmate Desensitizer and Nanoseal to the exposed dentin surface resulted in inhibition of demineralization, with Nanoseal resulting in improved inhibition after prolonged immersion in artificial saliva.

Using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), this study assessed the inhibitory effect of three different types of restorations on root-caries formation under a cariogenic challenge. Bovine-root dentin blocks with a cylindrical cavity were divided into three restoration groups: a fluoride-free self-etch adhesive and a resin composite (SE-ES); a self-etch adhesive and a resin composite with multi-ion release (FL-BF); and a glass ionomer cement (Fuji-VII). After the restorative procedures, the specimens were stored in artificial saliva for 1 d, then subjected to a demineralization solution for 4 d and a remineralization solution for 28 d. Mineral density and mean mineral loss of dentin around the restorations were measured using micro-CT. The mean mineral loss values of dentin around the restorations were highest among SE-ES restorations and lowest among Fuji-VII restorations. Fuji-VII showed the highest mineral density and the lowest mineral loss after 28 d of remineralization. The observations made by scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that Fuji-VII created the smallest outer lesion followed by FL-BF and SE-ES. Fuji-VII has a larger inhibitory effect on root caries around the restorations and enhances remineralization more effectively than either FL-BF or SE-ES. Multi-ion and fluoride release from the restorative materials may be beneficial for inhibition of root-dentin caries around the restorations.

This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of experimental pastes containing surface pre-reacted glass ionomer (S-PRG) fillers on enamel demineralization. Bovine blocks were treated twice a day for 4 days by 7 groups; experimental pastes containing 0-30 wt% S-PRG filler (S00, S01, S05, S10, and S30), deionized water (DW) as negative control, and NaF paste (MP) as positive control. The surfaces were demineralized by acetic acid for 3 days. Mineral loss (ML) was calculated by micro-computed X-ray tomography. The treated surface was finally investigated with scanning electron microscope (SEM) and micro-focused particle induced X-ray emission (micro-PIXE). S05, S10 and S30 demonstrated significantly lower ML than S00, S01 and DW (p<0.05). S10 showed the greatest inhibitory effect, which was significantly greater than MP. The S-PRG filler containing experimental pastes demonstrated a potential to inhibit enamel demineralization. Sr ion incorporation was confirmed on the enamel surface with the experimental pastes.