Abstract
The use of fluorescein-enhanced quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) in the detection of in vitro root caries demineralization and reminerlization was investigated. Fourteen previously extracted human premolar roots were selected and determined to be caries-free. Cementum was removed and nail varnish applied leaving an exposed window. Positive and negative controls were selected. During a demineralizing regimen, roots were removed at regular intervals (12, 48, 72 and 120 h) and immersed in sodium fluorescein (0.2 mg L-1). Following gentle rinsing, each root was examined using QLF before being returned to the demineralizing solution. Following 120 h, each tooth was sectioned through the lesion and one-half retained for transverse micro radiography (TMR) analysis. The remaining half were subjected to a remineralizing regimen undergoing the same fluorescein and QLF examinations at 7, 28 and 36 days. Results showed that QLF effectively monitored demineralization/remineralization of root dentine as represented by fluorescein penetration. TMR analysis showed good correlations with QLF (AZ/ AQ) after demineralization (r = 0.89) and remineralization (r = 0.84). The technique could represent an in vivo method for root caries detection and classification.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1151-1156 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Journal of Oral Rehabilitation |
Volume | 30 |
Issue number | 12 |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2003 |
Keywords
- Diagnosis
- Fluorescein
- In vitro
- Optical methods
- Quantitative light-induced fluorescence
- Root caries