Influence of Desensitizing Agents on Root Dentin De- and Remineralisation

Objectives: Former investigations have shown that desensitizing agents can prevent root surface caries. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of three different desensitizing agents (Gluma Desensitizer, Admira Protect, VivaSens) on root surfaces de- and remineralization in vitro. Methods: The root surfaces of 60 freshly extracted caries-free human molars were thoroughly cleaned, thereby removing the cementum. The teeth were then coated with acid-resistant nail varnish, exposing two rectangular windows. All specimens were distributed among the following experimental groups: C: untreated control; G: treated with Gluma; A: treated with Admira Protect; . V: treated with VivaSens. All specimens were demineralized for 14 days with acidified gel (HEC, pH 4.8, 37 degrees C). Before Remineralization using a NaF containing calcium-phosphate buffer solution one window was covered. From each tooth, two dentinal slabs were cut. The depth of the demineralized areas was determined using a polarized light microscope. Results: All untreated specimens (group C) showed uniform lesions with a mean depth of 134 µm (+/- 17 µm) after demineralizazion. After remineralization lesion depth was significantly reduced to 95 µm (+/- 13 µm). The specimens treated with Gluma showed a mean lesion depth of 103 µm (+/-7 µm). In group A, treated with Admira Protect, a mean lesion depth of 80 µm (+/- 19 µm) and in group V a mean depth of 120µm (+/- 31 µm) was observed. In group G and A the lesion depth was reduced significantly compared to the untreated control (p< 0.05, Tukeys test). The comparison between de- and remineralized groups showed a significant reduction of lesion depth in all cases (p<0.05, Tukeys test). Remineralization resulted in lesion depth of 95µm (+/- 12 µm) in group C, 87µm (+/- 30 µm) in group G, 66 µm (+/- 19 µm) in group A and 91 µm(+/- 25 µm) in group V. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the demineralization of the root surface can be hampered by the application of desensitizing agents in vitro. Furthermore, remineralization might be not affected by the used sealants.