Fluoride remineralization of demineralized bovine tooth enamel and hydroxyapatite pellets

Both bovine enamel and hydroxyapatite pellets were remineralized in a fluoride-containing remineralization solution after prior demineralization for various lengths of time. In both the enamel and pellet systems, the degree of remineralization attainable was directly related to the extent of prior demineralization, although the demineralized material was never 100% recovered in remineralization. In some cases, fluoride levels up to several thousand parts per million were found at depths as great as 50 micrometers from the surface. The stoichiometry of the remineralized material and electron microprobe examination were consistent with the formation of fluoridated hydroxyapatite rather than calcium fluoride.