Study of the morphological alterations to enamel and dentin in human and bovine teeth after irradiation with Er : YAG laser

Objective: the purpose of this study is to make use of scanning electron microscopy in order to comparatively analyze the morphological alterations to human and bovine enamel and dentin. Earlier data: Many a morphological study involving Er:YAG laser can be found in the literature. Still, not a single study comparing the effects of this infrared laser in human and bovine teeth has been reported. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two slices of human and bovine enamel and dentin were evenly divided into four groups. With the exception of the control group, the samples were irradiated with Er:YAG laser, focused at a distance of 12 mm and a 10-Hz frequency, with 150, 250, and 350 mJ of output energy per pulse for 10 seconds. After irradiation all specimens were observed under a scanning electron microscope. Results: There was practically no morphological difference for those samples that underwent 150 mJ/pulse irradiation. The dentin exposed to 250 mJ had a few open dentinal tubules. These were seen in enamel after a 350 mJ irradiation, in which the energy was able to reach the dentin. Conclusions: the breadth of this study allows us to state that the pattern between the species grew more heterogenous as the energy density was increased and that irradiation with 150 mJ/pulse resulted in greater likeness in human and bovine enamel and dentin.

Effect of iron on bovine enamel and on the composition of the dental biofilm formed in situ

Objectives: This study investigated in situ the effect of iron (Fe) on the reduction of demineralization of bovine enamel, as well as on the composition of dental biofilm.Design and methods: Twelve volunteers were included in this blind crossover study, which was conducted in two stages of 14 days each. For each stage, the volunteers received palatal appliances containing four blocks of bovine enamel (4 mm x 4 mm x 2.5 mm). Six volunteers dripped a solution of 15 mmol L-1 ferrous sulphate onto the fragments and the remaining six dripped deionized water (eight times per day). After five minutes, a fresh 20% (w/v) sucrose solution was dripped onto all enamel blocks. During the experimental period the volunteers brushed their teeth with non-fluoridated dentifrice. After each stage, the percentage of surface microhardness change (%SMHC) and area of mineral toss (Delta Z) were determined on enamel and the dental biofilm formed on the blocks was collected and analysed for F, P, Ca, Fe and alkali-soluble carbohydrates. The concentrations of F, Ca and Fe in enamel were also analysed after acid biopsies.Results: There was a statistically significant increase in the P and Fe concentrations in the biofilms treated with ferrous sulphate (p < 0.05), which was not observed for F, Ca and alkali-soluble carbohydrates. The group treated with ferrous sulphate had significantly lower %SMHC and Delta Z when compared to control (p < 0.05).Conclusions: These results showed that ferrous sulphate reduced the demineralization of enamel blocks and altered the ionic composition of the dental biofilm formed in situ. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of fluoride dentifrice on brushing abrasion of eroded human enamel: An in situ/ex vivo study

This in situ/ex vivo study assessed the effect of fluoride dentifrice on eroded enamel subjected to brushing abrasion. In a crossover study performed in 2 phases, 10 volunteers wore acrylic palatal appliances, each containing 3 human enamel blocks. Dentifrice was used to brush the volunteers' teeth and the specimens subjected to abrasion. In phases A and B the dentifrices used had the same formulation, except for the absence or presence of fluoride, respectively. The blocks were subjected to erosion by immersion of the appliances in a cola drink for 5 min, 4 times a day. Then the blocks were brushed, and the appliance was replaced into the mouth. Enamel alterations were determined using profilometry and percentage change in surface microhardness (%SMHC) tests. The data were tested using the paired t test. The mean wear values (+/- SD, mu m) were: group A 6.84 +/- 1.72 and group B 5.38 +/- 1.21 (p = 0.04). The mean %SMHC values (+/- SD) were: group A 54.6 +/- 16.2 and group B 45.7 +/- 6.8 (p = 0.04). Fluoride dentifrice had a protective effect on eroded enamel subjected to brushing abrasion. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Effect of bleaching on the cemento-enamel junction

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of various bleaching agents on the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) of human teeth by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Methods: 30 intact teeth were selected and longitudinally sectioned, yielding 60 specimens. Thirty specimens served as controls; the other 30 were divided into six groups with five specimens each (n= 5) and bleached according to six protocols (Group 1: External bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide; Group 2: External bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide; Group 3: External bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide; Group 4: Internal/external bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide; Group 5: Internal/external bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide; and Group 6: Intracoronal bleaching with a paste of sodium perborate mixed with 9% hydrogen peroxide). After treatment the specimens were prepared and examined in a scanning electron microscope. Results: the bleaching agents used in this study caused morphological changes in the CEJ and increased dentin exposure.

Quantitative analysis of mineral content in enamel using synchrotron microtomography and microhardness analysis. - art. no. 631824

Synchrotron microtomography is a tool to quantify the mineralization of dental tissues as well as microhardness analysis, since they provide adequate precision and contrast sensitivity. This study evaluates synchrotron microtomography and microhardness analysis for quantifying the mineral content of bovine enamel. Fifty enamel blocks were submitted individually for 5 days to a pH-cycling model at 37 degrees C and remained in the remineralizing solution for 2 days. The blocks were treated twice daily for 1 min with NaF dentifrices (Placebo, 275, 550, 1,100 mu g F/g and Crest (R)) diluted in deionized water. Surface microhardness changes (%SMH) and mineral loss (Delta Z) were then calculated. Synchrotron microtomography was also used to measure total mineral lost (SMM). Pearson's correlation (p < 0.05) was used to determine the relationship between different methods of analysis and dose-response between treatments. Dentifrice fluoride concentration and %SMH and Delta Z were correlated (p < 0.05). There was a positive relationship (p < 0.05) when comparing SMM vs. Delta Z; a negative relationship (p < 0.05) was found for %SMH vs. SMM and %SMH vs. Delta Z. Based on the results of this study, it was possible to conclude that synchrotron microtomography provides the best spatial resolution and contrast sensitivity for quantifying mineral gradients.

Effect of an iron mouthrinse on enamel and dentine erosion subjected or not to abrasion: An in situ/ex vivo study

Objectives: This in situ/ex vivo study evaluated whether a rinse with an iron solution could reduce wear and the percentage of microhardness change of human enamel and dentine submitted to erosion followed by brushing after 1 or 30 min.Design: During 2 experimental 5-day crossover phases (wash-out period of 10 days), 10 volunteers wore intraoral palatal devices, with 12 specimens (6 of enamel and 6 of dentine) arranged in 3 horizontal rows (4 specimens each). In one phase, the volunteers immersed the device for 5 min in 150 mL of cola drink, 4 times a day. Immediately after immersion, no treatment was performed in one row. The other row was brushed after 1 min using a fluoride dentifrice and the device was replaced into mouth. After 30 min, the remaining row was brushed. In the other phase, the procedures were repeated, but after immersion the volunteers rinsed for 1 min with 10 mL of a 10 mM ferrous sulphate solution. Changes in surface microhardness (%SMH) and wear (profilometry) of enamel and dentine were measured. Data were tested using ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p < 0.05).Results: the enamel presented more wear than dentine, under all experimental conditions. The iron solution caused a significant reduction on the %SMH in enamel, and a significant reduction on the wear in dentine, regardless the other conditions.Conclusions: Rinsing with an iron solution after an erosive attack, followed or not by an abrasive episode, may be a viable alternative to reduce the loss of dental structure. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enamel caries resistance accidentally irradiated by the Nd : YAG laser

When the carious tissue is eliminated either by conventional methods (with burs) or with lasers, the risk of accidentally damage the surface of adjacent teeth may occur, which hypothetically could lead to a more susceptible surface for canes formation. This in vitro study aims to evaluate the caries resistance of the dental enamel surface irradiated by the Nd:YAG laser applied in conditions simulating accidental exposition. Thirteen third molars were used in this study. The experimental groups were: G1: sound control and control + carious; G2: contact Nd:YAG laser at 0.75, 1, 2, or 3 W; 10 Hz; 3 sec (27, 35, 71, and 106 J/cm(2)); G3: same parameters from G2 + caries artificial induction through the demineralization and demineralization (DES/RE) dynamic model. The caries resistance analysis was evaluated by the superficial morphological aspect through SEM images and also by Ca/P proportion through energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The micrograph images showed that the Nd:YAG laser changed the normalmorphology of the enamel prisms resulting in a melted and re-solidified surface intensified with the power increase. Significant statistical differences were observed applying the Kruskal-Wallis statistical test (p <= 0.01) among the Nd:YAG laser irradiated groups and the control with caries regarding the Ca/P proportion. As an exception, this was not observed when 3 W; 10 Hz; 3 sec; 106 J/cm(2) was applied and posteriously submitted to a cariogenic challenge. The results indicate that the Nd:YAG laser accidental irradiation at low power settings did not represent risks to the enamel caries resistance.