Effect of iontophoresis on fluoride uptake in enamel with artificial caries lesion

Abstract

Iontophoresis is a noninvasive technique, based on the application of a constant low-intensity electric current to facilitate the release of a variety of drugs, whether ionized or not, through biological membranes. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of iontophoresis using different electric current intensities on the uptake of fluoride in dental enamel with artificial caries lesions. In this in vitro operator-blind experiment, bovine enamel blocks (n = 10/group) with caries-like lesions and predetermined surface hardness were randomized into 6 groups: placebo gel without fluoride applied with a current of 0.8 mA (negative control), 2% NaF gel without application of any current, and 2% NaF gel applied with currents of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mA. Cathodic iontophoresis was applied for 4 min. The concentration of loosely bound fluoride (calcium fluoride) and firmly bound fluoride (fluorapatite) was determined. The results were analyzed by the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests. Iontophoresis at 0.8 mA, combined with the application of fluoridated gel (2% NaF), increased fluoride uptake in enamel with caries-like lesions, as either calcium fluoride or fluorapatite.

Comparative Evaluation of Remineralization Potential of Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride and Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles with and without Iontophoresis on the Incipient Carious Lesion in Permanent Teeth

“…Thereforeiontophoresis with more current that is 0.8 mA in conjunction with fluoridated gel application (2% NaF) results in improved uptake of fluoride by enamel with carious lesions, to form fluorapatite. Hence this study concluded that an increase in current intensity increases the deposition of fluoride [11]. Kim et al compared the remineralization effect of fluoride with and without iontophoresis.…”

The effect of fluoride iontophoresis on seal ability of self-etch adhesive in human dentin in vitro

“…Thus, FI is preferred technique to provide long lasting desensitizing effect [ 9 , 14 ], and to improve remineralization effect [ 10 , 34 ]. During FI, the fluoride ions in solution come into contact with the cathode and move towards to dental hard tissue (the anode); meanwhile, the electric currents facilitate the release of calcium and phosphate ions from hydroxyapatite to form calcium fluoride and fluoroapatite crystals [ 35 ]. These are reasons why FI caused a lot of particle precipitations in dentinal tubules at various depths in human dentin.…”

Effect of Diode Laser and Iontophoresis with Aqueous Extract of Nigella sativa and Fluoride-Based-Agent on Dentin Permeability

“…In the scientific literature, evidence on the use of iontophoresis with dental substances is still scarce. Some studies highlighted the positive effects of the use of certain desensitizing materials with iontophoresis provided dentinal tubule occlusion by allowing this ion to be transferred deeply to dentinal tubules (29) .…”

“…At comparing the mean value of the degree of occlusion for the tested group, the results revealed that the lowest mean values (lowest dye penetration depth) were recorded for aqueous extract of Nigella sativa with iontophoresis group, it may be because the aqueous extract of Nigella sativa has several chemical compositions such as; volatile oil, fixed oil, protein, carbohydrates, alkaloids, saponins, amino and fatty acids, trace elements, heavy metals and minerals (30,31) . Moreover, Iontophoresis enhanced the penetration of those minerals deeply inside of dentinal tubules which leads to an increased lifetime of remineralization process and hence blocking of dentin permeability (29) . The highest mean value (highest dye penetration depth) was recorded for the control group where all the dentinal tubules were completely opened.…”