Concentration dependent effects of carboxymethyl chitosan on dentin remineralization with amorphous calcium phosphate

Abstract

Objective: Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) is a non-collagenous protein analog which has a similar role as dentin matrix protein 1. CMC stabilizes amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP); hence forming nanocomplexes of CMC-ACP. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of CMC concentration in CMC-ACP on dentin remineralization. Methods: Cavities were formed on the occlusal surfaces of freshly extracted premolar teeth. All samples were demineralized and immersed in phosphate-buffered saline and stored in a shaking incubator at 37°C. The teeth were randomly divided into five groups. Group 1 was control group (no treatment), whereas Groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 were treated with CMC-ACP containing 1%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10% CMC. The remineralized layer on the dentin surface was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. Results: The highest dentin remineralization capacity was achieved in Group 5 (10% CMC), whereas diminishing effects were observed in Group 4 (5% CMC), Group 3 (2.5% CMC), and Group 2 (1% CMC). Although no significant differences in calcium levels were observed between 2.5%, 5%, and 10% CMC groups, phosphate levels differed significantly in all treatment groups. Conclusion: Optimal dentin remineralization was achieved by the application of CMC–ACP containing 2.5% CMC.