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Published on: December 20, 2024
Dentin caries zones: mineral, structure, and properties
M K Pugach1, J Strother, C L Darling
1Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences, University of California, 707 Parnassus Ave. Box 0758, Dentistry 2246, San Francisco, CA 94143-0758, USA.
Caries Detector staining identifies distinct dentin zones. Physical and microstructural properties, including mineral content, significantly decrease across these zones, offering insights into carious dentin.
Area of Science:
- Dental research
- Materials science
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Caries Detector staining delineates four zones in carious dentin.
- The physical and microstructural characteristics of these zones are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physical and microstructural properties of carious dentin across four zones identified by Caries Detector staining.
- To determine the differences in these properties revealed by the staining.
Main Methods:
- Six arrested dentin caries lesions and two normal controls were stained.
- Atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging and nano-indentation were used for microstructure and mechanical property analysis.
- Transverse digital microradiography (TMR) assessed mineral content.
Main Results:
- Significant decreases in microstructure, nanomechanical properties, and mineral content were observed across the stained zones.
- Hydrated elastic modulus decreased from 19.5 GPa in normal dentin to 1.6 GPa in the pink zone.
- Mineral content decreased from 42.9 vol% in normal dentin to 12.4 vol% in the pink zone.
Conclusions:
- Caries Detector staining effectively differentiates zones with varying physical and microstructural properties in carious dentin.
- Despite extensive demineralization, the pink zone retains some mineral content.
- These findings enhance the understanding of carious dentin characterization.
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