RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To compare the subsurface mineral loss preventing capability of resin infiltration technique with topical fluoride and fissure sealant applications to demineralized occlusal fissures under simulated oral conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Occlusal surfaces of 64 extracted intact human third molars were demineralized. Next, the teeth were classified into four groups according to preventive applications (n = 16): G1, Specimens used as the control group with no preventive treatment; G2, Topical fluoride application (APF Gel/ DEEPAK); G3, Fissure sealant application (ClinproTMSealant/ 3M ESPE); and G4, Resin infiltration technique (Icon/ DMG). Chemical compositions before pH cycling were evaluated for eight specimens from each group. The remaining eight teeth from each group were subjected to pH cycling for 15 days to simulate the oral conditions. Subsequently, the specimens were fractured after immersion in liquid nitrogen and the subsurface fluoride (F), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) levels, and Ca/P ratio of each specimen were measured using energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer (EDS). The data were subjected to statistical analysis (p = 0.05). The effects of preventive applications to surface topography of specimens were evaluated using scanning electron microscope (SEM). RESULTS: There were no significant differences among the groups in subsurface F, Ca, and P levels and Ca/P ratios before or after pH cycling (p > 0.05). All three preventive applications were effective during pH cycling according to SEM observations. CONCLUSIONS: The subsurface mineral loss preventing capability of resin infiltration technique applied to occlusal fissures was comparable to topical fluoride and fissure sealant applications. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The resin infiltration technique could represent a valid alternative to traditionally used both preventive and restorative treatments for treating initial carious lesions on occlusal fissures, offering the advantages of better resin penetration and retention.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate both the effect of resin infiltration on the color and microhardness of white spot lesions (WSLs) that treated with bleaching and to analyze the penetration of the infiltrant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In each of 135 bovine enamel specimens, WSLs were produced. The samples were then randomly divided into three groups (n = 45): group I, bleached; group II, resin-infiltrated; group III, bleached and resin-infiltrated. The specimens were subjected to a pH-cycling regime for four weeks. The color and microhardness were measured at the baseline, after production of WSLs, after the treatments. The color alteration (ΔE*) and the percentage of surface microhardness recovery (SMHR) were calculated. The penetration of the infiltrant was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Results were analyzed with analysis of variance, Shapiro-Wilk, Tukey's, Kruskal-Wallis and Conover-Dunn tests (P = .05). RESULTS: The SMHR% in resin infiltration groups was significantly higher than that of the bleached group only (P < .05). Bleaching treatment prior to resin infiltration produced no significant change in the microhardness (P > .05). Using a bleaching treatment prior to resin infiltration produced significant color alteration (P < .05). The penetration of the resin infiltrant was deepest in-group II. CONCLUSIONS: The resin infiltration enhanced the microhardness of the WSLs regardless of whether or not a bleaching treatment was used. Using a bleaching treatment before resin infiltration resulted in color alteration, and it was also found to negatively influence the penetration of the infiltrant.
