Three-dimensional visualization of dentine occlusion based on FIB-SEM tomography

Abstract

The occlusion of dentinal tubules has become a rapid and effective method for treating dentin hypersensitivity. Accurate evaluation of dentin occlusion is critical to illustrate the efficacy of oral care products and to optimize dental therapy in the clinics, which is limited by the conventional two-dimensional (2-D) characterization methods. Here, we demonstrate the visualization of the dentin occlusion via three-dimensional (3-D) characterization using a focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) tomography. Using the “Slice and View” approach, the material used for occluding dentin tubules is imaged with a very high-resolution voxel (10 nm × 10 nm × 20 nm) from 2-D SEM images and then reconstructed into a 3-D volume, which presents the mode of action of toothpaste for treating dentin hypersensitivity. Meanwhile, quantitative analysis of the depth of occlusion is successfully obtained. This work validates the feasibility of FIB-SEM tomography in the analysis of dentin occlusion within the complicated networks of dentine tubules at the nanoscale, and provides a novel approach to facilitate the research and development of oral care products.

Erosion-inhibiting potential of the stannous fluoride-enriched CPP-ACP complex in vitro

“…Future studies are also needed to determine the optimum dose and frequency of application of SnF 2 /CPP-ACP in both enamel and dentine and to better understand its protective effects under erosive conditions involving tooth grinding and toothbrush abrasion. Knowledge can be advanced by integrating various direct and indirect methods to elucidate the structural, biomechanical, and chemical (compositional) changes associated with erosive wear 43 – 45 . Continued effort is required to provide research thrust into translatory applications of novel materials, e.g., novel hydroxyapatite nanoparticles 46 and calcium phosphate nanoparticles 47 , and novel techniques, e.g., sustained release of anti-erosive agents (using nanoimplants and nanoparticles) 48 , improved adhesion of the salivary biofilm 35 , electrophoresis-aided remineralization 49 , and non-thermal plasma-induced remineralization 50 , 51 .…”

Magnetically Maneuvered Bioceramic Nanostructures Cures Dental Hypersensitivity

“…However, it is reported ineffective 11 as it potentially denatures superficial dentine through melting and charring, further compromising dentin microstructure. Desensitizing toothpaste and resin sealing agents provide superficial tubule blockage averaging at 15 µm 12 , typically requiring 2-4 weeks for noticeable effects 13 ; their efficacy wanes without daily application. 14 Resin-based dentin sealers exhibit less than 10% effectiveness, with no sealing effect after 4 weeks 15 , highlighting the need for more enduring DH solutions.…”

Nano-CT characterization of dentinal tubule occlusion in SDF-treated dentin

“…SEM cross-section imaging provides additional information on occluding material penetration depth within the exposed imaged surface 15 , 22 . Different approaches can expose a cross-section of dentin specimens, such as fracturing the sample 18 , or using a Focused Ion Beam (FIB) 23 , 24 . These preparation techniques, however, are not free from artifacts.…”

“…These preparation techniques, however, are not free from artifacts. Fracturing the sample may add debris to the tubules that could be mistaken as occluding material, and FIB-SEM produces a three-dimensional image from serial two-dimensional SEM images 13 , 24 in a process that is often challenging, time-consuming and requires post-acquisition image processing, which is limiting to most users 25 . Thus, the assessment of occlusion depth and the identification of different occluding materials in treated dentin specimens through morphological data can be difficult, either by limitations related to sample preparation or intrinsic to the microscopic imaging technique itself.…”