Calcium phosphates produced by physical methods in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this paper is to study the properties of innovative materials based on defective calcium phosphates produced by physical methods in the therapy of dentin hypersensitivity.


METHODS
In particular, the effects of gels, aqueous solutions and toothpastes containing the above mentioned materials on dentinal permeability measured as dentin hydraulic conductance have been studied. The calcium phosphates have been characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (Rietveld analysis) and Fourier transform infra-red analysis. In addition, scanning electron microscopy has been performed to study the surface of dentin and enamel after treatment with the phosphates. In particular sound occlusal dentin, sound cervical dentin, carious occlusal dentin, sound buccal enamel and carious buccal enamel have been observed.


RESULTS
The results have shown that these biocompatible materials can be produced with chemical and physical characteristics very similar to dentin and/or enamel. By forming a protective layer inside and outside the dentin tubuli, the calcium phosphates significantly reduce the dentinal hypersensitivity.


CONCLUSIONS
These phosphates seem to be a promising material for clinical application.
Dolci
G
G
Institute of Clinical Dentistry, La Sapienza University, Rome.
Mongiorgi
R
R
Prati
C
C
Valdrè
G
G
D002130:Calcium Phosphates / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003804:Dentin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003806:Dentin Permeability / Q000187:drug effects; D003807:Dentin Sensitivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012996:Solutions; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013499:Surface Properties; D014100:Toothpastes; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
D002130:Calcium Phosphates; D005782:Gels; D012996:Solutions; D014100:Toothpastes