Remineralizing effect of cold plasma and/or bioglass on demineralized enamel

Abstract

This study investigated the combining effect of cold plasma and bioglass-phosphoric acid paste on demineralized enamel. Fifty bovine incisors’ enamel specimens were challenged by a demineralization solution of pH 4.47 for 72 h. Specimens were divided into five groups: (I) Control, demineralized enamel (C); (II) Demineralized enamel treated with fluoride varnish (F); (III) Cold plasma application to demineralized enamel (P); (IV) Demineralized enamel treated with bioglass paste (B); (V) Application of bioglass paste to cold plasma-treated demineralized enamel (PB). Specimens were then immersed in remineralizing solution for 24 h, before being examined with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and cross-sectional micro-hardness measurement. The results showed that; treating demineralized enamel with cold plasmas before bioglass application ensued a significant high mineral volume recovery and micro-hardness of demineralized region. It can be concluded that cold plasmas may improve the remineralization of bioglass on demineralized enamel.