title: Influence of cementum on the demineralization and remineralization processes of root surface caries in vitro.
abstract: The influence of the nature of the root surface on the demineralization and remineralization processes within artificial fluoride-treated caries lesions was investigated using microscopic and X-ray microanalytical methods. Traces of fluoride were detected in the outer parts (about 25 micrometers) of the lesions after the application of fluorides, and a high mineral content was proved for the same region by means of microanalytical calcium estimation. The location of this mineral-rich band in relation to the root surface was deeper into the root depending on the existence and thickness of a cementum layer. However, within the dentine the location and intensity of the mineral content were unaffected by the cementum. Investigation of artificial caries lesions without fluoride treatment showed the following: The degree of mineralization was kept at a higher level near the root surface in the presence of cementum. Consequently, a cementum layer gives some initial caries resistance of the root surface.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Ultrastructural Research and Clinic of Conservative Dentistry, University of Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: Wolfram
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Dietz
authors.forename: Ulrike
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Kraft
authors.forename: Ingrid
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Hoyer
authors.forename: Gunilla
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Klingberg
mesh_terms: D000588:Amines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001641:Bicuspid; D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003739:Dental Cementum / Q000502:physiology*; D003804:Dentin / Q000473:pathology; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D006801:Humans; D008859:Microscopy, Polarization; D017213:Root Caries / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014002:Tin Fluorides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014089:Tooth Remineralization; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D000588:Amines; D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D014002:Tin Fluorides; D014100:Toothpastes; C075174:amine fluoride gel; D002118:Calcium