• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.290-299
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• 2011

Objectives: The usage of fluoride varnish for a moderate to low caries-risk group has not been well validated. This study aimed to evaluate the preventive and therapeutic efficacies of fluoride varnish on the initiated root caries. Materials and Methods: Ten premolars were sectioned into quarters, further divided into two windows, one of which was painted with Fluor Protector (1,000 ppm fluoride, Ivoclar Vivadent). An initial lesion with a well-preserved surface layer was produced by pH cycling. Scanned line analysis using energy dispersive spectrometry determined the weight percentages of Ca and P in the demineralized layer. Scanning Electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) evaluated the varnish-applied root surfaces. Results: The mean lesion depth (SD) was 12.3 (2.6) ${\mu}m$ (single cycling) and 19.6 (3.8) ${\mu}m$ (double cycling). Double cycling extended the lesion depth, but induced no more mineral loss than single cycling (p < 0.05). The mean weight percentages of Ca and P between groups with and without varnish were not significantly different (p < 0.05). A CLSM showed varnish remained within 15 ${\mu}m$ of the surface layer. Conclusions: When a mild acid challenge initiated root tissue demineralization, the application of low-concentration fluoride varnish did not influence the lesion depth or the mineral composition of the subsurface lesion.