Enamel Remineralization and Crystallization after Fluoride Iontophoresis

Abstract

Early caries lesions consist of noncavitated subsurface demineralization caused by the dissolution of hydroxyapatite from the surface to the subsurface area of the enamel. Such lesions cannot be remineralized effectively by the conventional treatment. Thus, there is a need for a noninvasive technique capable of delivering the remineralizing agent to subsurface sites. For this purpose, fluoride iontophoresis (IP) using weak currents has been investigated with some conflicting results and no information on the crystal structure and composition. Because enamel remineralization involves the role of fluid from dentin, the presence of enamel fluid is necessary to determine the repair associated with the physiological condition. This study aimed to investigate structural and compositional characteristics, including the remineralizing effect of 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) IP with different polarities, cathodal iontophoresis (CIP), and anodal iontophoresis (AIP) for the treatment of natural enamel caries under simulated pulpal pressure. A bulk measurement of the crystal structure inside the lesion was first determined using calcium (Ca) K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy. IP with both polarities significantly promoted subsurface remineralization. The CIP generated a significant increase in the Ca/phosphorus ratio, and fluoride at the surface lesion significantly correlated with higher mineral density (MD) and more strengthening crystal structure of the lesion volume, while the lesion’s MD and other impurities at the lesion surface, mostly the carbonate ions, affected the significant increase in MD with the unchanged structure of the lesion volume after AIP. The CIP of NaF is an ideal method for rapid enamel remineralization and recrystallization of fluoroapatite/fluorohydroxyapatite.

Molecular Doped Biodegradable Triboelectric Nanogenerator with Optimal Output Performance

“…NaCl is the main component of physiological saline, and NaF is a micro additive in toothpaste that can promote enamel remineralization. [ 15 ] PFD is a non‐toxic ingredient of artificial blood that the human body can excrete. [ 16 ] OA and sucralose are food ingredients, and EC is a non‐toxic cellulose derivative.…”

Dentin Hypersensitivity: Etiology, Diagnosis and Contemporary Therapeutic Approaches—A Review in Literature

“…If fluoroapatite forms after the treatment, it exhibits improved stability against the effects of saliva, brushing, and dietary substances [114]. Fluorine compounds can also be employed in conjunction with iontophoresis, a method that employs an electric current to enhance ion diffusion [4,115].…”

“…Similarly, to bioactive glasses, Portland cement, primarily comprised of Si, has shown substantial potential in treating DH. Its attributes facilitate the occlusion of dentin tubules through the remineralization of dentin [115]. White Portland cement has fine particles that can infiltrate and occlude these dentin tubules.…”

Use of micro-computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy to distinguish natural white spot enamel lesions from sound enamel in human premolars

“…For the ROI of WSLs, the upper boundary was determined from the highest level where the lesion was detected, and the lower boundary was the lowest level of the lesion. Due to the variation of natural WSLs, the lesion dimensions of all specimens were calibrated by analyzing the sizes in transverse (TRA), coronal (COR), and sagittal (SAG) views of the central part of the lesion volume in each specimen [18]. Since the ROIs of intact enamel were more consistent and less variable than those of the WSLs, they were used as the control MD of the sound enamel in this study.…”