Fluoride Iontophoresis novel Non-Invasive Technique Of Enamel Remineralisation

A recent study has been published in The Journal Of Dental Research about the remineralization of enamel in case of the occurrence of early dental caries. Early caries is often characterized by the presence of a non-cavitated white spot sub-surface of enamel caused due to dissolution of the crystals resulting in demineralization from the surface to the subsurface of enamel. According to the research, early dental caries is represented as a non-cavitated white spot lesion(WSL) due to the demineralization of the hydroxyapatite crystal caused in response to the acidic environment produced as a result of their interaction between the oral microorganisms & regular food intake of that particular type.

The current study focussed on investigating the more reliable non-invasive technique for delivering the mineralizing agents into the lesion zone, also contributing to finding out the structural & compositional characteristics, including the remineralization effect of 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) Iontophoresis (IP) with different polarities, i.e., Cathodal Iontophoresis(CIP) & Anodal Iontophoresis(AIP).

According to the study, human premolars with a naturally smooth surface having a white spot lesion (WSL) on the crown have been considered as a specimen for the experiment. The participants were divided into different groups according to the type of treatment made, i.e., 5% NaF CIP, AIP & Topical application of the drug over the lesion area. All the specimens were analyzed with the synchrotron radiation-based XAS & scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) before & after treatment.

The study results revealed some important facts:

Baseline mineral density increased after the treatment.5% NaF with AIP for 40 seconds showed a significant increase in mineral density for both the intact enamel and WSL zone.

Noticeable reduction in lesion shape with increased mineral density & radiopacity.

SEM-EDS analysis confirmed the increment in the mean percentage of sodium (Na) at the WSL zone after treatment.

The mean rate of fluoride intake in the lesions increased six times after treatment with AIP.

5% NaF CIP for 40 seconds showed an increase in mineral density of WSL volume & subsurface region with a noticeable change in the crystal morphology.

The team concluded that potential IP treatment could apparently enhance the penetration of F to the subsurface region and rapidly promote the essential repair of enamel caries. The study confirmed the positive outcomes of this technique as a reliable treatment method for controlling the WSL via increasing the remineralization of enamel. This also opens up a new path to control dental caries at an early stage.

For the full article, follow the link below:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00220345221138513#bibr8-00220345221138513

Reference: Journal Of Dental Research