Natural and Controlled Demineralization for Study Purposes in Minimally Invasive Dentistry

Abstract

Artificially induced demineralization of enamel is frequently used during laboratory tests, particularly in minimally invasive dentistry. The aim of this study was to analyze demineralization techniques of hard tooth tissue applicable in the research of materials in minimally invasive dentistry. The most important factor taken into consideration when designing a method is to make a model as closely similar to the natural environment of the human oral cavity as it is possible. In vitro models allow us to maintain stability and control over the environment and guarantee repeatability of the results. There are main models to produce dental caries outside of the body. The first model is chemical and it uses acids. It is simplified and reflects the actual environment of the oral cavity to a lesser degree. The second model is biological and it is more accurate as it uses microorganisms which build the dental plaque. Among in vitro protocols are also used pH-cycling models. Based on the available literature, it was found that bovine teeth and human teeth with demineralization diagnosed while still inside the oral cavity are the most frequently used kind of specimens in research conducted with use of the chemical model. Not a single case of use of the biological and pH-cycling models were found in the available literature related to the research of infiltrants in minimally invasive dentistry (Adv Clin Exp Med 2015, 24, 5, 891-898).

Assessing the Penetrating Abilities of Experimental Preparation with Dental Infiltrant Features Using Optical Microscope: Preliminary Study

“…Most other researchers use bovine teeth in their research on infiltration because this kind of material is easier to obtain. However, it features higher porosity in comparison to human teeth, which makes it easier for the infiltrants to penetrate inner layers of enamel to a significant degree [15][16][17].…”

Biomaterials Involved in Frontal Area Restorations in Pediatric Dentistry

“…The consequences of the front edentation on the social integration of the young patient have a particularly high impact, impinging on his psychic behaviour. Therefore, partially removable prostheses (therapeutic solutions of choice in such cases) have sustained and will support improvements over time to alleviate the psychiatric disorders that arise from the alteration of body pattern [6][7][8].…”

Using an Electron Scanning Microscope to Assess the Penetrating Abilities of an Experimental Preparation with Features of a Dental Infiltrant: Preliminary Study

“…The development of dental caries is related to the notion of cariostasis, which is the result of equilibrium between the subsequent processes of demineralization and remineralization that occur at the surface of enamel. Fluorides play an important role in the process of cariostasis as they increase absorption of calcium and phosphorus ions and facilitate creation of fluorohydroxyapatite, which features increased resistance to acids [3,4]. Healthy enamel never changes its color, while a pale-white spot on its surface is a sign of ongoing demineralization.…”

“…Healthy enamel never changes its color, while a pale-white spot on its surface is a sign of ongoing demineralization. This is a so-called white carious spot (macula alba) and it is a result of the decreased content of mineral components in the subsurface region of enamel [1,4]. The structure of enamel is shaped during the process of odontogenesis and depends on the organic and inorganic components which are provided to the body (proteins, A, D and C vitamins, amino acids, and trace elements, e.g.…”

“…This allows for creation of fluoroapatite which is more resistant to dissolution [3]. As teeth become older, the level of calcium, sulfur, potassium and zinc increases, therefore the susceptibility to dental caries depends on the age of a given tooth [4].…”