Advanced Laboratory Assessments in Caries Mineralization Research: A Review

Dental caries is characterized by the dynamic processes of demineralization and remineralization. Recent advancements in cariology research have introduced sophisticated techniques such as nanoindentation, nano-computed tomography, optical coherence tomography, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atom probe tomography, and transmission electron microscopy, which provide high resolution and sensitive analytics. These methods are particularly valuable for detecting micro- and nano-scale changes in individual lesions, crucial for short-term in vitro studies. They enable assessments of mechanical properties, mineral density, chemical composition, and morphological structure, providing insights into the dynamic nature of caries and aiding in the optimization of caries management strategies and the development of new treatments. Results from these techniques have been validated through in vivo studies by correlating noninvasive imaging with clinical caries progression and monitoring mineral density changes over time. A comprehensive understanding of these techniques is essential to prevent misselection, inappropriate sample preparation, and data misinterpretation. This review focuses on methods applicable to the analysis of early caries lesions based on recent literature and provides detailed insight into a variety of relevant techniques. In addition, it discusses parameters such as main outcome measurements, resolution/magnification, invasiveness, and sample preparation requirements of each approach, thereby providing valuable guidance for researchers planning studies in this field.