The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) values and demineralization depths in an enamel erosion model in vitro.Flat labial enamel surfaces of bovine incisors were ground with 800-grit SiC and coated with nail varnish, but also leaving rectangular windows of enamel uncoated. Subsequently, they were immersed in a lactic acid gel (pH 5.0) for 0 to 7 weeks to make an enamel erosion model. Carious lesions thus induced were analyzed by QLF and the demineralization depths measured using SEM/ EDS method at the end of each period. A wide range of erosive lesions were produced with a steady increase in both demineralizing depth and fluorescence loss (ΔF) over time. With this model, a good correlation was exhibited between each ΔF value and the demineralization depth. Results of this study indicated that QLF could detect and quantify mineral loss under the eroded surface of the enamel erosion model.

To indicate the possibility of a new approach to creating mineral density profi les, and to examine longitudinal changes in 'the rate of remineralization (RA)' and 'the mineral density (DAs) at 4 different depths' (surface zone: SZ, lesion body: LB, middle zone: MZ, deep zone near to sound area: DZ) in enamel subsurface lesions, eight demineralized bovine enamel-dentin blocks were remineralized for 1 to 4 week and investigated using Micro-focus X-ray CT (micro-CT). After CT scanning, mineral density profi les were created. Mineral densities at each depth after demineralization were SZ≅LBMZ>DZ. This study indicated a new approach to create a mineral density profi le and suggested the greater the value of the mineral density before the remineralization, the smaller the mineral density increments.

Recent studies have shown that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be used as biomedical materials because of their unique properties. CNTs effect nucleation of hydroxyapatite, because of which considerable interest has been generated regarding the use of CNTs in dentistry. However, there are only a few reports on the use of CNTs as dental materials. In this study, we investigated the changes induced in the surfaces of tooth slices by the application of a coating of CNTs by observing CNTcoated tooth slices both macroscopically as well as under a scanning electron microscope. Further, we investigated the effect of CNT coating on the tensile bond strength of dentin adhesives. CNTs adhered easily to the tooth surfaces when tooth slices were suspended in a CNT-dispersed solution. Interestingly, it was observed that CNTs selectively adhered to the surfaces of dentin and cementum, possibly by adhering to their exposed collagen fibers. In addition, the CNT coating did not affect the tensile bond strength of dentin adhesives. These results indicate that coating of the teeth with CNTs can be a possible application of CNTs as dental materials.