Remineralization of carious dentin. I: In vitro microradiographic study in human teeth capped by calcium hydroxide

Abstract

The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate a possible remineralization of human carious dentin by calcium hydroxide. Thirty-nine freshly extracted human permanent and deciduous carious teeth were split into two halves. One half was used as control and the other as experimental. In the latter, a cavity was prepared and the remaining bottom layer of demineralized dentin capped with chemically pure calcium hydroxide. The experimental samples were stored at 37°C. Time intervals were 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks. All tooth halves were sawed and ground to plano-parallel sections with a thickness varying from 75 to 117 μm. Qualitative microradiographs showed a qualitative increase in radiopacity of the calcium hydroxide treated samples. Quantitative microradiography showed a statistically significant increase in total mineral content in the experimental samples compared to the control samples. These results indicate an in vitro remineralization of carious dentin by calcium hydroxide.