Resistance to demineralization of remineralizing agents on dentin – An Atomic Absorbtion spectrophotometric study

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of various Remineralizing agents on Intact Human dentin surface exposed to a demineralizing agent quantitatively using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS).Materials and methods10 Freshly extracted intact human premolars from patients of age group 14–18 yrs extracted for orthodontic purposes were used for the study. 40 dentinal sections of size measuring 4 × 4 × 2 mm were prepared from the surfaces of teeth. All the specimens were then divided into 4 groups of 10 specimens. Group I (Control Group) – No Surface treatment, stored in artificial saliva only. Group II (Control Group) – Demineralization only, No surface treatment with remineralizing agent. Group III – Demineralization followed by CPP-ACFP [4 mins twice daily for 14 days]. Group IV – Demineralization followed by β-TCP [4 mins twice daily for 14 days]. Specimens were stored in artificial saliva throughout the study. Artificial saliva was then evaluated for calcium dissolution using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). Data obtained were compared and statistically analysed using one way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test.ResultsBoth the Remineralizing agents showed resistance to release of calcium and phosphate from dentin. Group 3 (CPP-ACPF) Showed lesser release of calcium and phosphate when compared to group 4 (β-TCP) which was not statistically significant.ConclusionBoth the remineralizing agents tested showed resistance to release of calcium and phosphate from dentin on simulation of oral conditions. Among the Remineralizing agents tested, Fluoride Enriched Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACPF) showed marginally better remineralization potential on dentin than Beta tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP).