Titanium penetration in human enamel after TiF4 application

The TiF4 application produces a titanium coating on enamel surface, reducing solubility in presence of cariogenic challenge. However, it is not established if this titanium also penetrates inside the enamel. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the presence of this superficial coat and titanium penetration into human sound and decayed enamel after TiF4 application. Twenty-four unerupted third molars were mesiodistally cut and divided into two groups (GA--sound and GB--artificial decayed). After a 4% TiF4 application, each sample was fractured longitudinally (occlusal-cervical). Through microprobe analysis with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), titanium penetration could be observed inside the enamel. The McNemar test (p=0.267) showed that there was no difference between the groups analyzed regarding to titanium penetration, although in group A the titanium penetrated more deeply (Wilcoxon test, p=0.047). It could be concluded that there was no difference between the groups regarding the titanium penetration, but titanium penetrated more deeply into sound enamel compared to artificially decayed enamel.