title: An approach to normalizing micro-CT depth profiles of mineral density for monitoring enamel remineralization progress.
abstract: To indicate the possibility of a new approach to creating mineral density profiles, and to examine longitudinal changes in 'the rate of remineralization (RA)' and 'the mineral density (DAs) at 4 different depths' (surface zone: SZ, lesion body: LB, middle zone: MZ, deep zone near to sound area: DZ) in enamel subsurface lesions, eight demineralized bovine enamel-dentin blocks were remineralized for 1 to 4 week and investigated using Micro-focus X-ray CT (micro-CT). After CT scanning, mineral density profiles were created.Mineral densities at each depth after demineralization were SZ is approximately equal to LB<MZ<DZ. Increase in RA was the greatest in the first week of remineralization and it decreased over time. Increments of the mineral density were greater in the order of SZ is approximately equal to LB>MZ>DZ. This study indicated a new approach to create a mineral density profile and suggested the greater the value of the mineral density before the remineralization, the smaller the mineral density increments.
authors.affiliation: Cariology and Operative Dentistry, Department of Restorative Sciences, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Keiko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nakata
authors.forename: Toru
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nikaido
authors.forename: Syozi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nakashima
authors.forename: Nobuhito
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Nango
authors.forename: Junji
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tagami
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003804:Dentin / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D012015:Reference Standards; D012016:Reference Values; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D014089:Tooth Remineralization; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography