Effect of Using Biomimetic Analogs on Dentin Remineralization with Bioactive Cements

This study evaluated the impact of using biomimetic analogs (poly-acrylic acid and sodium tri-meta-phosphate) on dentin remineralization using two cement materials, the first is calcium silicate based and the second is calcium hydroxide based materials. Two standardized occlusal cavities (mesial and distal) were prepared within dentin after removal of occlusal enamel. Artificial demineralized dentin was induced through pH cycling (8 h in demineralizing and 16 h in remineralizing solutions). Demineralized cavities were divided into four groups; two groups received cement materials. The other groups were first treated with biomimetic analogs then restored with pulp cement materials. Teeth were sectioned buccolingually into two halves. Treated cavities with analogs were stored in simulated body fluid containing poly-acrylic acid. Untreated cavities were stored in simulated body fluid only. Ground unstained sections of demineralized dentin were examined using light microscope. Specimens were examined after 1, 6 and 12 weeks of storage using energy dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and Vickers microhardness was evaluated. Two-way ANOVA was used to analyze data statistically. Calcium silicate-based cement group with biomimetic analogs showed the highest statistically significant calcium and phosphorous wt% in addition to highest surface hardness values after 12 weeks of storage. Demineralized dentin ground sections showed increase in light zones after total period of storage. Calcium silicate-based cement showed the best ability to enrich the artificial carious dentin with ions for remineralization. Using biomimetic analogs had a significant impact on demineralized dentin surface hardness improvement.