Effect of loading and pH on the subsurface demineralization of dentin beams

It is important to understand subsurface dentin demineralization and caries from the clinical perspective as dentin properties are modified under acidic conditions and mechanical loading. This study was conducted to observe the subsurface demineralization of dentin beams at three different pH levels under tension and compression. Bovine dentin beams (10 x 3.75 x 1.45 mm) were fixed at one end and immersed in 0.1 M lactic acid solution at pH levels 4.5, 7, and 10 for 5 days under a load of 6.5 N (663 g), and the subsurface demineralization depth was measured using a polarized light microscope. The mean subsurface demineralization depth was more subjacent to the surface under compression than that under tension at pH 4.5 and decreased as the distance from the fixed end increased. No subsurface demineralization was observed at pH 7 or 10. It was concluded that both stress and low pH are associated with increased subsurface demineralization at the fixed end of the beam.