The Use of Saturated DCPD in Remineralization of Artificial Caries Lesions in vitro

Dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) may play a significant role in the caries lesion since it is a stable calcium phosphate phase under acidic conditions. The reaction of DCPD and fluoride, forming fluor-apatite (FAP), may provide a potentially promising treatment regimen for remineralization of caries lesions in vivo. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a two-step DCPD and inorganic wash with fluoride can remineralize artificial caries-like lesions in vitro. We used the single-section technique to facilitate quantitation of the same tissue before and after the experimental regimen. The two-step remineralizing treatment was repeated three times and consisted of a two-minute saturated DCPD treatment (pH 2.1) followed by a 24-hour inorganic wash. Lesion parameters were recorded before and after treatment by the taking of polarized light photomicrographs of each section after imbibition in several media. The changes in the tissue following treatment were expressed as a percent change in the a...