Methods for Assessment of Dental Erosion

Abstract

Various assessment techniques have been applied to evaluate the loss of dental hard tissue and the surface-softened zone in enamel induced by erosive challenges. In this chapter, the most frequently adopted techniques for analyzing the erosively altered dental hard tissues are reviewed, such as profilometry, measuring microscope techniques, microradiography, scanning electron microscopy, atom force microscopy, nano-and microhardness tests and iodide permeability test. Moreover, methods for chemical analysis of minerals dissolved from dental hard tissue are discussed. It becomes evident that the complex nature of erosive mineral loss and dissolution might not be comprehended by a single technique, but needs application of different approaches for full understanding. Chapter 10Lussi A (ed): Dental Erosion. Monogr Oral Sci. Basel, Karger, 2006, vol 20, pp 152-172 Methods for Assessment of Dental Erosion Thomas Attin, Florian Just WegehauptCenter for Dental Medicine, Clinic for Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Cariology, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland AbstractVarious assessment techniques have been applied to evaluate the loss of dental hard tissue and the surface-softened zone in enamel induced by erosive challenges. In this chapter, the most frequently adopted techniques for analyzing the erosively altered dental hard tissues are reviewed, such as profilometry, microradiography, scanning electron microscopy, atom force microscopy, nano-and microhardness tests and iodide permeability test. Moreover, methods for chemical analysis of minerals dissolved from dental hard tissue are discussed. It becomes evident that the complex nature of erosive mineral loss and dissolution might not be comprehended by a single technique, but needs application of different approaches for full understanding. Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel Acid attack leads to an irreversible loss of the outermost enamel and dentin layers and to partial demineralization (softening) of the tooth surface. In enamel, the thickness of the softened layer is estimated to be 2-5 tJm [1,2] [1, 2]. The softened eroded tooth surface is highly susceptible to abrasive wear, and mechanical impacts such as toothbrushing can easily remove the superficially demineralized dental hard tissue [3][4][5] [3][4][5]. For simulating intra-oral erosion as closely as possible, it is desirable to assess the erosive effects on native tooth surfaces. Most of the methods described below need polished surfaces for precise assessment of the erosively induced defects or for creating reference surfaces, which means that the natural, often fluoridated surface of the tooth has to be removed. However, it should be considered that in the case of intra-oral erosion the outermost surface layers are also continuously removed by the acid attack, so that a 'polished' surface is Attin 2 cre-ated. When monitoring of erosive surface alterations within a period of time is performed, it could become necessary to fix a specimen in the measuring device i...

Thickness and nanomechanical properties of protective layer formed by TiF4 varnish on enamel after erosion

“…According to Attin and Wegehaupt,17 in the oral cavity, the contact of the enamel with acidic beverages is usually limited to a few seconds before clearance by the saliva. Thus, the detection of small changes would allow reducing the contact of acidic beverages with the tooth surface in in vitro experiments to a time period that mimics intraoral conditions.…”

“…Thus, the detection of small changes would allow reducing the contact of acidic beverages with the tooth surface in in vitro experiments to a time period that mimics intraoral conditions. 17 Furthermore, a mild or an aggressive Table 2. Nanohardness and elastic modulus of groups after varnish application and erosive challenge.…”

“…16 A diamond indenter is used to apply small loads on the order of nN. 17 Nanoindentation testing can quantify the nanohardness and elastic modulus of protective layers formed by fluoride agents on the tooth structure or determine the demineralization of the outermost softened layer of an eroded enamel surface. This test also allows accurate determination and control of indentation force and accurate measurement of indentation depth.…”

“…This test also allows accurate determination and control of indentation force and accurate measurement of indentation depth. 16,17 According to Lussi and Carvalho,4 to fully protect the enamel surface against erosion, the protective layer formed by fluoride compounds should be dense enough to build up a physical barrier that protects the underlying enamel from erosive acids and it should also be stable enough against erosive dissolution. As there is no investigation into the thickness and nanoproperties of the protective layer formed by NaF and TiF 4 varnishes on eroded enamel, the following hypotheses were tested in the present study: (1) The nanoindentation test would reveal differences in the nanohardness and elastic modulus of the protective layer formed by NaF and TiF 4 varnishes on enamel surface after the erosive challenge; (2) Atomic force microscopy (AFM) would show differences between the thickness and topography of the protective layer formed by NaF and TiF 4 varnishes on eroded enamel.…”

Surface Degradation of Resin-based Materials by Pediatric Syrup Containing Amoxicillin under Erosive Challenge

“…Based on these, the authors of the present study decided to use an extremely long intervals time of immersion in the solutions. Thus, the samples were immersed in Amoxicillin syrup for 30 minutes, spite of the literature show that erosive challenges should be performed at exposures in reduced period of time [37,39]. Although it is worthwhile mention that this particular medium, such as Amoxicilin syrup, for eroding these restorative materials used in the study, have not been tested yet.…”