[Spectrophotometric method for objective focal enamel demineralization diagnostics].

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Tooth enamel demineralization is a critical factor in dental caries.
• Accurate measurement of demineralization is essential for evaluating preventive strategies.
• Spectrophotometry offers a quantitative method for assessing enamel color changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of spectrophotometry in quantifying enamel demineralization.
• To establish a correlation between enamel demineralization depth and color parameters.
• To develop a scale for assessing enamel demineralization using lightness parameters.

Main Methods:

• In vitro study on extracted human teeth.
• Enamel conditioning with 37% phosphoric acid for artificial demineralization.
• Color parameter measurement using VITA EasyShade spectrophotometer.
• Evaluation of transverse enamel sections using scanning electron microscopy.

Main Results:

• Spectrophotometric measurements provided numeric color parameters of conditioned enamel.
• Scanning electron microscopy determined the depth of enamel demineralization in mm/microns.
• A correlation was established between enamel demineralization depth and lightness parameters.

Conclusions:

• Spectrophotometry is a viable tool for assessing artificial enamel demineralization.
• The developed scale allows for objective evaluation of demineralization depth and lightness.
• This method aids in understanding and reconstructing enamel demineralization processes.