In vivo remineralization of human enamel and dental calculus formation

The aim of this investigation was to determine the inorganic composition and the surface morphology of remineralized enamel areas and of dental calculus in heavy-calculus-formers (five subjects) and to compare these results with those of non-calculus-formers (two subjects). Electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA) was carried out on sound, acid-etched, and in vivo remineralized enamel samples from heavy- and non-calculus-formers. The mean values of Ca, P, Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, Cl, and K were compared with the SEM morphology. EPMA measurements showed no significant differences in the Ca/P ratio of the surface layers of prism-oriented and/or homogeneous enamel remineralization. The variations of remineralization pattern after acid-etching are similar in teeth from heavy dental-calculus-forming patients and in teeth from non-calculus-formers. The SEM appearances of remineralized areas and of the inner surface of mature dental calculus must be considered to be totally different. The experiments carried out suggest that the remineralization of enamel is not related to the formation of calculus.