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In vitro anti-caries effect of fluoridated hydroxyapatite-coated preformed metal crowns
D R Clark1, A Czajka-Jakubowska, C Rick
1Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Room 2391, University of Michigan , 1011 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-1078, USA.
Aim:
To synthesise fluoridated hydroxyapatite (FA) crystals directly on preformed metal crowns (PMCs) and evaluate the anti-cariogenic properties in an in vitro model.
Methods:
FA crystals were grown on etched PMCs and stainless steel discs and characterised by SEM. FA-coated discs allowed fluoride release to be assessed from a known surface area of FA crystals. Discs were divided into four groups (n = 6/group) and exposed to solutions at pH 4-7. Fluoride levels in solution were measured after each exposure. Twelve FA-coated and 12 non-coated PMCs were cemented onto human molars using glass ionomer (GI) or unfilled resin, making four groups of six teeth; FA-coated + GI, FA-coated + resin; non-coated + GI and non-coated + resin. Teeth were exposed to acidified gelatin (pH = 4.3) for 9 weeks.
Results:
SEM showed FA crystal growth on interior and exterior of the crowns. Average fluoride release from FA-coated discs was 0.16 mg/L/cm² at pH < 5.0. Teeth were sectioned through the lesion. Polarised microscopic examination revealed significantly smaller lesions in FA-coated crown groups compared to non-coated crown groups.
Conclusion:
FA-coated PMCs demonstrated carious lesion preventing effects, i.e. fluoride release and reduction of demineralisation at crown/tooth interface. FA-coated crowns could be an aesthetic, inexpensive and caries preventive alternative in clinical dentistry.
