In situ evaluation of the remineralizing capacity of pit and fissure sealants containing amorphous calcium phosphate and/or fluoride.
OBJECTIVE
This in situ study evaluated the remineralizing potential of pit and fissure sealants containing amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) and/or fluoride in artificially induced carious lesions on smooth enamel surfaces.


METHODS
Ten volunteers who wore acrylic palatal devices were enrolled in this 5-day double-blind study and assigned to one of the following five groups: (I) demineralized enamel slab+Fluroshield (sealant with fluoride); (II) demineralized enamel slab+Aegis (sealant with ACP); (III) demineralized enamel slab+experimental sealant with fluoride (ESF); (IV) demineralized enamel slab+experimental sealant with fluoride/ACP (ACP-F); and (V) demineralized enamel slab (control). After the experimental period, the percentage of surface microhardness recovery (%SMHR) and the integrated loss of subsurface hardness (DeltaKHN) were evaluated. The concentrations of fluoride, calcium and phosphorus in enamel were also determined.


RESULTS
The sealants containing ACP and/or fluoride presented a higher remineralizing capacity (%SMHR and DeltaKHN) than that of the control group. Aegis provided either more efficient or similar remineralization than the other sealants. The association between ACP and fluoride did not show a greater efficacy in the remineralization. F, Ca and P concentrations in enamel varied according to the group.


CONCLUSIONS
The pit and fissure sealants containing ACP were able to promote remineralization of artificially induced carious lesions on smooth enamel surfaces.
Silva
Kélio Garcia
KG
Post graduation Program in Pediatric Dentistry, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Araçatuba Dental School, São Paulo, Brazil.
Pedrini
Denise
D
Delbem
Alberto Carlos Botazzo
AC
Ferreira
Lilian
L
Cannon
Mark
M
D000328:Adult; D017438:Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis; D002130:Calcium Phosphates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005459:Fluorides / Q000032:analysis / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006244:Hardness; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008422:Materials Testing; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000032:analysis; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000628:therapy; D014089:Tooth Remineralization / Q000379:methods*; D014881:Water Supply / Q000032:analysis; D055815:Young Adult
D002130:Calcium Phosphates; D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants; D011140:Polyurethanes; C086661:Fluoroshield; D010758:Phosphorus; D017438:Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate; C020243:calcium phosphate; D005459:Fluorides; D002118:Calcium