Effect of polymer-induced liquid precursor process containing polyaspartic acid on intrafibrillar dentin remineralization (Micro-computed tomography analysis)

Abstract

Objective: Caries treatment can be performed by minimal intervention, i.e., by removing the infected dentin and leaving the affected dentin and then inducing remineralization in the affected dentin. The affected dentin still consists of collagen cross bonds. Polymer-induced liquid precursor process is a guided tissue remineralization method that aims to remineralize intrafibrillar and extrafibrillar dentin by adding polymers that are similar to non-collagen protein. One of the non-collagen protein analog materials is polyaspartic acid. The aim of this study was to evaluate the remineralization of dentin on the demineralized dentin surface after immersed in remineralization solutions containing polyaspartic acid as a non-collagen protein analog. Methods: Human premolar teeth extracted for orthodontic purposes were divided into four groups, namely, one control and three treatment groups. Teeth in the control group were immersed only in the demineralization solution containing acetate buffer (pH 5.0, 66 h). Teeth in the three treatment groups were immersed in acetate buffer (pH 5.0, 66 h) and then continue to immersed in the remineralization solution containing polyaspartic acid for 3, 7, and 14 days. Remineralization was evaluated by micro-CT. Results: Remineralization appeared on the demineralized dentin surface, characterized by an increase in the grayscale index, after immersion in the remineralization solution containing polyaspartic acid. Significant differences were observed in the mean grayscale index values among the four groups. Conclusion: Polyaspartic acid has the potential to induce dentin remineralization.