[The effects of ultramicronized synthetic hydroxyapatite on the etched enamel. An in-vitro study with computerized...

The authors studied in vitro effects produced by etching (37% H3PO4) 80 microns thick teeth sections and the following application of H.A.u.m (Apagen). The changes of the superficial and lower layers were investigated by gray level alterations of section images. The changes were investigated by using a computerized image analysis system, by pseudocolors, standard deviation of gray levels and by calculating the surface rate affected by significative alteration. Etching application increased extension of high gray level zones. Pseudocolors showed 35 microns depth alterations. the evaluation of standard deviation means that major changes affected superficial layers; the evaluation of the extension of low gray levels zones showed a restoration of the pretreatment optical pattern. The results of this study demonstrate that H.A.u.m. (Apagen) applications are able to remineralize both superficial and lower layers of etched enamel.