title: An in vitro Comparative Evaluation of Three Remineralizing Agents using Confocal Microscopy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The caries process has been thought to be irreversible, resulting in the permanent loss of tooth substance and eventually the development of a cavity. Recent approaches focused on application of remineralizing agents to incipient carious lesions, aim at controlling demineralization and promoting remineralization. Remineralizing agents create a supersaturated environment around the lesion; thus, preventing mineral loss and forces calcium and phosphate ions in the vacant areas.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare and evaluate the remineralization potential of Fluoride Varnish, CPP-ACP Paste (Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate) and fTCP Paste (functionalized Tricalcium Phosphate) using confocal microscope.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two windows of 3X3mm were created on the labial cervical and incisal thirds in 60 permanent maxillary central incisors. The teeth were demineralized to create artificial caries and divided into three groups of 20 each. Group I specimens were coated with Fluoride Varnish once whereas those in CPP-ACP paste group and fTCP group were brushed for 2 minutes, twice daily for 20 and 40 days. The specimens were stored in artificial saliva during the study period and were later sectioned and observed under confocal microscope. Data obtained was statistically analyzed using Fischer's exact test, ANOVA and post-hoc Bonferroni's test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fluoride Varnish, CPP-ACP Paste and fTCP Paste showed remineralization of artificial carious lesions at both the time intervals. Fluoride varnish showed the highest remineralization followed by CPP-ACP Paste and fTCP Paste. A statistically significant increase in remineralization potential of CPP-ACP Paste and fTCP Paste was observed at the end of 40 days as compared to 20 days.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fluoride varnish showed the greatest remineralization potential of artificial carious lesions followed by CPP-ACP Paste and fTCP Paste respectively.
authors: Senior Lecturer, Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Ahmedabad Dental College and Hospital , Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India .
authors: Krunal
authors: K
authors: Chokshi
authors: Senior Lecturer, Department of Oral Pathology, Narsinhbhai Patel Dental College & Hospital , Visnagar, Gujarat, India .
authors: Achala
authors: A
authors: Chokshi
authors: Professor and Head, Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, AECS Maaruthi College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre , Bangalore, Karnataka, India .
authors: Sapna
authors: S
authors: Konde
authors: Professor, Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, AECS Maaruthi College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre , Bangalore, Karnataka, India .
authors: Sunil Raj
authors: SR
authors: Shetty
authors: Professor, Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, AECS Maaruthi College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre , Bangalore, Karnataka, India .
authors: Kumar Narayan
authors: KN
authors: Chandra
authors: Senior Lecturer, Department of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry, Haldia Institute of Dental Sciences & Research , West Bengal, India .
authors: Sinjana
authors: S
authors: Jana
authors: Senior Lecturer, Department of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry, Srinivas Institute of Dental Sciences , Mangalore, Karnataka, India .
authors: Sanjana
authors: S
authors: Mhambrey
authors: Consultant Pedodontist, Department of Pedodontics, Nanavati Hospital , Mumbai, Maharashtra, India .
authors: Sneha
authors: S
authors: Thakur
keywords: Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate; Demineralization; Functionalized tricalcium phosphate; Hard tissue microtome; Noninvasive; Rhodamine B