• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• /
• v.33 no.2
• /
• pp.262-268
• /
• 2006

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the remineralizing effects of Nd : YAG laser irradiation and fluorides application on primary tooth enamel eroded by acidic drink. The materials were 30 sound primary teeth with intact smooth enamel surfaces. They were demineralized with Coca-cola at $37^{\circ}C$ for 12 hours and then irradiated by Nd: YAG laser with 6W power, $50mJ/cm^2$ energy density. and 20Hz pulse repetition. After laser irradiation, teeth were treated by three kinds of fluorides : (1) 0.05% NaF solution, (2) 1.23% APF gel and (3) 0.1% fluoride varnish. Diagnodent scores and microhardness (VHN) were measured before and after the each treatment. The results were as follows: 1. Diagnodent scores decreased to 23.51% from the initial after demineralization, and then increased to 37.37% after laser irradiation, and to 51.34% after fluoride treatment. There were significant differences between the total scores of initial, demineralization, laser irradiation and fluoride treatment (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between scores after fluoride treatment according to fluoride types. 2. Microhardness(VHN) decreased to 33.58% from the initial after demineralization and then increased to 43.99% after laser irradiation, and to 51.38% after fluoride treatment. There were significant differences between the total scores of initial, demineralization, laser irradiation and fluoride treatment (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between scores after fluoride treatment according to fluoride types.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.69-76
• /
• 2011

The aim of this study was to compare the effects on the resistance to demineralization by the frequency and method of fluoride application in vitro. ninety-one human enamel specimens were embedded in acrylic resin with the labial surfaces exposes. The specimens were divided into 7 groups; (1) non-treated; (2) 1.23% APF gel 1 time; (3) 2% NaF sol 1 time; (4) 2% NaF sol iontophoresis 1 time; (5) 1.23% APF gel 4 time; (6) 2% NaF sol 4 time; (7) 2% NaF sol iontophoresis 4 time. All the groups were immersed in the remineralizing solution (RS) before baseline and divided into 7 test groups of 13 specimens each. All the specimens were exposed to a pH-cycling model which consisted of demineralization (6 hours) and remineralization (18 hours) for 5 days. The Vickers surface micro-hardness number of all the specimens was measured using microhardness tester and the specimen surfaces were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed a Tukey's multiple comparison at a significance level of 0.05. The group 7 showed higher level of microhardness after Fluoride application. The group 1 showed lowest level of microhardness but group 7 showed higher level of microhardness after pH-cycling model, there were significant differences between groups. After the modified pH-cycling, the 2% NaF solution with the iontophoresis group showed the best resistance to demineralization(p<0.05). These results were also confirmed by SEM. The fluoride iontophoresis method was the most effective of the regimens in increasing the acid resistance of the enamel.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
• /
• v.32 no.1
• /
• pp.47-60
• /
• 2007

The purpose of this study is to compare and to evaluate the effect of pH and lactic acid concentration on the progression of artificial root caries lesion using polarizing microscope, and to evaluate the morphological changes of hydroxyapatite crystals of the demineralized area and to investigate the process of demineralization using scanning electron microscope. Artificial root caries lesion was created by dividing specimens into 3 pH groups (pH 4.3, 5.0, 5.5), and each pH group was divided into 3 lactic acid concentration groups (25 mM, 50 mM, 100 mM). Each group was immersed in acid buffer solution for 5 days and examined. The results were as follows : 1. Under polarized microscope, the depth of lesion was more effected by the lactic acid concentration rather than the pH. 2. Under scanning electron microscope, dissolution of hydroxyapatite crystals were increased as the lactic acid concentration increased and the pH decreased. 3. Demineralized hydroxyapatite crystals showed peripheral dissolution and decreased size and number within cluster of hydroxyapatite crystals and widening of intercluster and intercrystal spaces as the pH decreased and the lactic acid concentration increased. 4. Under scanning electron microscope evaluation of the surface zone, clusters of hydroxyapatite crystals were dissolved, and dissolution and reattachment of crystals on the surface of collagen fibrils were observed as the lactic acid concentration increased. 5. Under scanning electron microscope, demineralizatlon of dentin occurred not only independently but also with remineralization simultaneously. In conclusion, the study showed that pH and lactic acid concentration influenced the rate of progression of the lesion in artificial root caries. Demineralization process was progressed from the surface of the cluster of hydroxyapatite crystals and the morphology of hydroxyapatite crystals changed from round or elliptical shape into irregular shape as time elapsed.