[Effect of Pinus massoniana needle extract on root dentin demineralization in vitro].
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to evaluate the effects of Pinus massoniana needle extract (PMNE) on inhibiting demineralization of root dentin.


METHODS
Root dentin blocks were randomly divided into distilled deionized water (DDW) group, fluoride sodium (NaF) group, and 4%, 8% and 12% PMNE groups according to the experimental solution used in the process of pH cycling in each group. All specimens in each group experienced pH cycling for 8 d. The dentin mineral density (DMD) of the normal dentin and demineralized dentin and their D-value (ΔDMD) were determined using micro computed tomography. The morphology of dentin surface after pH cycling was also observed using a scanning electron microscope.


RESULTS
The ΔDMD values in all PMNE groups and the NaF group were considerably lower than the ΔDMD in the DDW group (P<0.05). The ΔDMD values of the 8% and 12% PMNE groups had no difference (P>0.05), both of which were lower than the ΔDMD in the 4% PMNE group and higher than that in the NaF group (P<0.05). The dentin tubules were partly opened in the PMNE groups. The opening degrees of the dentin tubule in PMNE groups were significantly less and smaller than the opening degree in the DDW group and were larger than that in the NaF group.


CONCLUSIONS
PMNE can inhibit the deminera-lization of root dentin and can slow down the reduction in DMD. PMNE has the potential to prevent caries, and 8% PMNE can effectively inhibit dentin demineralization.
Dept. of Stomatology, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an 710021, China.
Tang
T
Chengfang
Dept. of Preventive, School of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an 710004, China.
Ruan
R
Jianping
Dept. of Stomatology, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an 710021, China.
Zhu
Z
Yong
Dept. of Stomatology, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an 710021, China.
Li
L
Zixia
Dept. of Stomatology, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an 710021, China.
Zuo
Z
Yanping
Dept. of Stomatology, Shanxi Provincal People's Hospital, Xi'an 710076, China.
Xu
X
Hongyan
D003731:Dental Caries; D003804:Dentin; D006801:Humans; D009339:Needles; D028223:Pinus; D012969:Sodium Fluoride; D017001:Tooth Demineralization; D014092:Tooth Root; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography
D012969:Sodium Fluoride
Pinus massoniana needle extract; demineralization; dentin; mineral density; root caries