ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of the Galla chinensis extract (GCE) on early dentin lesion remineralization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two dentin specimens were divided into three groups according to the treatment solution. In group S1, specimens were treated with GCE; in group S2, the specimens were treated with sodium fluoride (NaF); meanwhile, specimens of group S3 were treated with distilled water (DW). Each group was further subdivided into two subgroups according to the treatment time (1 minute and 5 minutes). An in vitro pH-cycling model for 12 days was done. Subsequently, surface microhardness (SMH) of the specimens, elemental analysis, and their micromorphological appearance were evaluated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were statistically analyzed. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare numerical (parametric) data between more than two separate groups followed by post hoc Tukey. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the mean SMH of dentin between NaF and GCE groups. Regarding the time, the 5-minute treatment with NaF and DW groups recorded higher mean SMH value of dentin than the 1-minute treatment group. Meanwhile, for GCE groups, the 1-minute immersion recorded higher mean SMH value than the 5-minute immersion without any significant difference between them. The microhardness results were confirmed by environmental scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray analysis results. CONCLUSION: GCE could be used as an effective alternative for dentin remineralization.