Effect of polymer-based desensitizer with sodium fluoride on prevention of root dentin demineralization

To evaluate the effect of a fluoride-containing polymer-based desensitizer on prevention of root demineralization using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT).

Bovine root dentin blocks were divided into four groups; no treatment (Control); 1% oxalic acid (OA); MS Coat One containing methacrylate-co-p-styrene sulfonic acid (MS polymer) and 1% oxalic acid (MSO); and MS Coat F containing MS polymer, 1% oxalic acid and 3,000 ppm sodium fluoride (MSF). A window of the dentin surface was treated with each solution. The blocks were scanned using micro-CT after demineralization (pH 4.5, 5 hours). The dentin surfaces before and after demineralization were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fluoride ion release was measured using a fluoride ion-specific electrode. The data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05).

MSF showed the lowest mineral loss (3176.5 ± 630.5 vol%μm), which was significantly different from Control (4600.1 ± 1053.4 vol%μm), OA (3992.7 ± 899.0 vol%μm) and MSO (3900.2 ± 645.4 vol%μm). [corrected]. Under the SEM observations, the dentin tubules appeared to be blocked after all desensitizer treatments. After demineralization, the exposure of dentin tubules was clearer in OA and MSO compared to MSF which showed sealed dentin tubules after demineralization. Fluoride ion release was detected only in the MSF group.