Fluoride levels in dentin after iontophoresis of 2% NaF

The fluoride in successive layers of dentin (from 3-6 micron were removed per etch) has been measured following topical or iontophoretic application of 2% aqueous sodium fluoride to coronal exposed dentin of freshly extracted human third molar teeth. The fluoride contents of the topical and iontophoresed first etches were, respectively, 12 and 22-31 times greater than that of control (untreated) teeth. Similarly, the fourth etches were 12 and 50-70 times greater, and the seventh (last sampled) etches were 5 and 28-41 times greater. There was no apparent change in acid solubility of the dentin as its fluoride content varied under the conditions of this study. This is the first report studying the fluoride content of extremely thin layers of dentin successively removed by acid etch and relating topical to iontophoretic uptake.