A quantitative study of the effect of pumicing and etching on the remineralisation of enamel opacities.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pumicing and acid etching on the remineralisation of enamel opacities using quantitative measurement methods.


METHODS
Teeth with diffuse opacities were subjected to a treatment sequence of: (a) pumicing for 30-35 seconds (b) etch with 37.5% phosphoric acid for 2 minutes, (c) pumicing for 30-35 seconds and (d) etch for 1 minute, or served as controls. Both groups were then placed in a remineralising solution containing 1.5 mmol/L Ca2+ for 3 weeks. Mineral content changes were measured using contact microradiography and x-ray microtomography. In addition, the reflectivity of the opacities was monitored with infrared reflectance.


RESULTS
The treatment sequence removed 34 +/- 4 microns of the surface enamel but no mineral loss was observed in the subsurface layer. The treatment sequence enhanced the formation of a new remineralised surface layer with a mean thickness of 22 +/- 3 microns. This new surface layer was less reflective.


CONCLUSIONS
Pumicing and acid etching can be used as a simple technique for the conservative treatment of enamel opacities.
Peariasamy
K
K
Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Barts, London Hospital, London, UK. k.peariasamy@mds.qmw.ac.uk
Anderson
P
P
Brook
A H
AH
D000134:Acid Etching, Dental; D002118:Calcium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology; D003777:Dental Prophylaxis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008852:Microradiography; D008903:Minerals / Q000032:analysis; D010756:Phosphoric Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013055:Spectrophotometry, Infrared; D013997:Time Factors; D014056:Tomography, X-Ray; D014089:Tooth Remineralization
D008903:Minerals; D010756:Phosphoric Acids; D002118:Calcium