Development of an in situ root caries model B. In situ investigations.
OBJECTIVE
The aims of this pilot study were to assess the suitability of an in situ model for root caries studies, and to investigate the effect of sub-surface lesion mineral content and ultrastructural organisation on remineralisation.


METHODS
Subjects were selected by criteria generally used for coronal caries models. Plaque pH responses and salivary flow rates were determined by standard methods. The chosen substrate was human dentine with artificially induced caries-like demineralisation and sterilised by gamma-irradiation (4100 Gy). Two levels of baseline demineralisation were induced by exposure to an acid buffer for 2 or 5 days. Mineral content was measured by computer-controlled quantitative microradiography.


RESULTS
Remineralisation in situ was greater in smaller lesions with lower surface mineral content than in larger lesions in which the surface mineral content was high.


CONCLUSIONS
The model is suitable for further development for investigating dentinal caries. More work is needed to validate the model by means of a fluoride dose-response study.
Smith
P W
PW
Unit of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Manchester, Higher Cambridge Street, Manchester M15 6FA, UK. philip.w.smith@man.ac.uk
Preston
K P
KP
Higham
S M
SM
D000328:Adult; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D003732:Dental Caries Activity Tests / Q000379:methods*; D003804:Dentin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D003808:Dentin Solubility; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D010865:Pilot Projects; D017213:Root Caries / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000378:metabolism; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000378:metabolism; D014089:Tooth Remineralization / Q000379:methods
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D012969:Sodium Fluoride