TiF₄ gel effects on tubular occlusion of eroded/abraded human dentin

Abstract

This in situ study evaluated the tubular occlusion caused by 4% TiF gel on the surface of eroded/abraded dentin. Sixty human dentin samples were eroded in vitro and assigned into six groups (n = 10) according to the in situ surface treatment and number of cycling days: 4% TiF gel applied once (TiF 1), twice (TiF 2), or three times (TiF 3) followed by 2, 4, and 6 days of erosive/abrasive in situ cycling, respectively. Control groups (no treatment) were subjected to 2 (C1), 4 (C2), and 6 (C3) days of erosive/abrasive in situ cycling only. A seventh group (n = 10) was comprised by in vitro uneroded samples (UN), subjected to 6 days of in situ erosive/abrasive cycling. Each cycling day consisted on six erosive (0.5% citric acid, pH 2.6) and one abrasive events. Environmental scanning electron microscopy micrographs were taken. For all groups, blinded examiners assessed dentin tubules occlusion using visual scores (0-unoccluded, 1-partially occluded by granular deposits, 2-partially occluded by reduction in tubular lumen into diamond shape, 3-completely occluded) on images captured prior and after the in situ phase. Scheirer-Ray-Hare test demonstrated that treatments significantly affected tubule occlusion (p < .001). Dunn's test showed that tubule occlusion in TiF 3 was significantly higher than in C1. Tubule occlusion in remaining groups did not differ from that observed in groups TiF 3 and C1. Tubule occlusion was significantly higher after in situ phase. It may be suggested that TiF , when applied three times, was able to positively change tubule occlusion of dentin samples.

Topical Agents for Nonrestorative Management of Dental Erosion: A Narrative Review

“…TiF 4 reduced human dentine loss, decreased microhardness change in human enamel specimens and occluded human dentinal tubule in erosive attacks [ 50 , 57 , 58 , 59 ]. However, the extreme acidity of the TiF 4 solution may weaken its anti-erosive effect [ 60 , 61 ].…”

Dentin permeability after pretreatment with titanium tetrafluoride and self-etching or universal adhesive systems

“…Use of TiF 4 in an aqueous solution has been shown to form a layer with a vitreous aspect and promote a reduction in dentin permeability when used in concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 27 and 4% 28 . This mechanism has been explained by the occlusion of the dentinal tubules 18 , which reduced dentin permeability 19 , especially when the smear layer was removed before the application of TiF 4 28 . In contrast, this procedure differed from that of the present study, in which the smear layer was preserved.…”

“…This leads to the formation of a solid element composed of titanium oxides or organometallic complexes, and a stable, modified, acid-resistant smear layer 17,18 . In this case, occlusion of the dentinal tubules occurs 18 , which is capable of reducing dentin permeability 19 .…”

Titanium Tetrafluoride (TiF4) in the Treatment of Dental Erosion

“…Besides, prolonged application times, between 2 and 4 minutes, may favor the retention of F -on the dental surface 35 and decrease mineral loss by dental tissue under acid action 19 . The ideal clinical application frequency has not still been determined, but it is known that TiF 4 is capable of modifying surface morphology since its first application 43 , leading to the formation of a smoother surface 49 and covered by precipitate both in enamel 38 and in dentin 50 . However, re-application of the fluoride may favor the reduction of substrate loss after tissue exposure to erosive solutions 43 and to promote certain obliteration of tubule entrance 49 , which could also lead to reduction of dentin hypersensitivity.…”