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A quantitative study of the effect of pumicing and etching on the remineralisation of enamel opacities
Author(s) -
Peariasamy K.,
Anderson P.,
Brook A.H.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
international journal of paediatric dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.183
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1365-263X
pISSN - 0960-7439
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-263x.2001.00267.x
Subject(s) - remineralisation , enamel paint , etching (microfabrication) , phosphoric acid , opacity , medicine , layer (electronics) , dentistry , materials science , optics , composite material , metallurgy , physics
Aims . The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pumicing and acid etching on the remineralisation of enamel opacities using quantitative measure‐ment methods. Methods . Teeth with diffuse opacities were subjected to a treatment sequence of: (a) pumicing for 30–35 seconds (b) etch with 37·5% phosphoric acid for 2 minutes, (c) pumicing for 30–35 seconds and (d) etch for 1 minute, or served as controls. Both groups were then placed in a remineralising solution containing 1·5 mmol/L Ca 2+ for 3 weeks. Mineral content changes were measured using contact microradiography and x‐ray microtomography. In addition, the reflectivity of the opacities was monitored with infrared reflectance. Result . The treatment sequence removed 34 ± 4 μm of the surface enamel but no mineral loss was observed in the subsurface layer. The treatment sequence enhanced the formation of a new remineralised surface layer with a mean thickness of 22 ± 3 μm. This new surface layer was less reflective. Conclusion . Pumicing and acid etching can be used as a simple technique for the conservative treatment of enamel opacities.