Evaluation of remineralisation potential of experimental nano hydroxyapatite pastes using scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray analysis: an in-vitro trial.

AIM:

To analyse the remineralisation potential of experimental nano hydroxyapatite (nHAP) paste on artificial caries lesions using scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX).

METHODS:

Sixty-five enamel specimens were randomly divided into 4 test groups (n = 15): 1% commercially available nHAP paste (CnHAP) group, 1% experimental nHAP paste (EnHAP) group, 10% EnHAP group, casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) group and control group (n = 5). Artificial carious lesions were induced in all the specimens and treated with respective paste twice daily for 14 days. The specimens were subjected to EDX analysis at baseline, after demineralisation and after remineralisation. The surface characteristics of the remineralised enamel specimens were evaluated by SEM.

RESULTS:

All the test groups showed significant change in calcium and phosphorus weight percentage (wt%) after remineralisation. The 10 % EnHAP showed higher mean value of calcium and phosphorus wt% followed by 1% CnHAP, 1% EnHAP and CPP-ACP. After remineralisation, both 10% EnHAP and CPP-ACP showed favourable enamel surface changes in SEM analysis.

CONCLUSION:

Commercially available and experimental nHAP have the potential to remineralise artificially induced carious lesions.