Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026

Development of a Direct Pulp-capping Model for the Evaluation of Pulpal Wound Healing and Reparative Dentin Formation in Mice
Published on: January 12, 2017
Effects of in-office bleaching on human enamel and dentin. Morphological and mineral changes
Carmen Llena1, Irene Esteve1, Leopoldo Forner1
1Department of Stomatology, Universitat de València, Clínica Odontológica, C. Gascó Oliag, 1, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
Background:
The effects of HP-based products upon dental enamel and dentin are inconclusive.
Aim:
To evaluate changes in micromorphology and composition of calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) in enamel and dentin after the application of 37.5% hydrogen peroxide (HP) and 35% carbamide peroxide (CP) METHODS: Crowns of 20 human teeth were divided in two halves. One half was used as control specimen and the other as experimental specimen. The control specimens were kept in artificial saliva, and the experimental specimens were divided into four groups (n=5 each): group 1 (enamel HP for 45min); group 2 (dentin HP for 45min); group 3 (enamel CP for 90min); and group 4 (dentin CP for 90min). The morphological changes were evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), while the changes in the composition of Ca and P were assessed using environmental scanning electron microscopy combined with a microanalysis system (ESEM+EDX). The results within each group and between groups were compared using the Wilcoxon test and Mann-Whitney U-test, respectively (p<0.05).
Results:
Similar morphological changes in the enamel and no changes in dentin were assessed with both products. Ca and P decreased in enamel and dentin, without significant differences between them or with respect to their control specimens (p>0.05).
Conclusions:
When bleaching products with a neutral pH are used in clinical practice, both, the concentration and the application time should be taken into account in order to avoid possible structural and mineral changes in enamel and dentin.
Related Concept Videos
Water and Mineral Acquisition
Minerals
Major...
Microbial Morphologies
Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Mineral, Vitamin and Water Absorption
Buffer Effectiveness
The buffer capacity is the amount of acid or base that can be added to a given volume...

