The effect of different desensitizing agents on initial demineralization of human root dentin.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the caries-protective effect of 3 different desensitizing agents (Seal & Protect 2.0, D/Sense 2, and Gluma Desensitizer) on root dentin in vitro.


METHODS
The root surfaces of 60 freshly extracted, caries-free human molars were used. After removing the cementum, the teeth were coated with an acid-resistant nail varnish, exposing 2 rectangular windows of 2 X 3 mm each on the root surface. One window served as an untreated control, and the other window was treated with 1 of the desensitizing agents. The specimens were randomly distributed among the following experimental groups: group A, D/Sense 2; group B, Seal & Protect 2.0; and group C, Gluma Desensitizer. Subsequently, all specimens were demineralized for 14 days with acidified gel (HEC, pH 4.8, 37 degrees C). Two dentinal slabs were cut from each window. The slabs were ground to a thickness of 80 microm and immersed in water. The demineralization depth was determined using a polarized light microscope.


RESULTS
The nontreated control specimens showed lesions with a mean depth of 84.9 microm (+/- 6.0). In the specimens treated with the desensitizing agents, lesion depth was generally significantly reduced. Statistical analysis revealed significantly lower values for the specimens in group B in comparison with the others.


CONCLUSIONS
Within the limitations of an in vitro investigation, it can be concluded that the demineralization of the root surface can be hampered by applying the desensitizing agents tested.
Gernhardt
Christian Ralf
CR
Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, University School of Dental Medicine, Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Grosse Steinstrasse 19, 06108 Halle, Germany. christian.gernhardt@medizin.uni-halle.de
Aschenbach
Kristin
K
Bekes
Katrin
K
Schaller
Hans-Guenter
HG
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003804:Dentin / Q000187:drug effects; D017220:Dentin-Bonding Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005976:Glutaral / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008689:Methacrylates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008963:Molar / Q000187:drug effects; D019279:Resin Cements / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017213:Root Caries / Q000517:prevention & control; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000187:drug effects*
D017220:Dentin-Bonding Agents; D008689:Methacrylates; D019279:Resin Cements; C442646:Seal and Protect resin cement; C111486:gluma desensitizer; D005976:Glutaral