Optimizing concentration of titanium tetrafluoride solution for human dentine remineralization

Abstract Objective The aim of the present study was to select the optimal concentration of TiF 4 solution to facilitate the remineralization of early dentine caries lesions. Design Sixty human dentine specimens were cut and randomly divided into 6 groups (1%, 2%, 3%, 4% TiF 4 groups, 2.712% NaF group and distilled deionized water (DDW) control group). Artificial dentine caries-like lesions were created. After being subjected to fluoride treatment and immersed in remineralizing solution for 2 weeks, the specimens were observed by microCT, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Data were analysed using linear regression analysis ( P  Results The lesion depths of the specimens treated by 2% TiF 4 solution were statistically less than those of the other groups. Further, the greyscale values of these lesion areas were greater. The 3% and 4% TiF 4 solutions caused further lesion demineralization. The 2.712% NaF solution seemed to be detrimental to remineralization during the experimental time, as the subsurface area remained hypomineralized with a thick precipitation layer on the surface. Conclusions The 2% TiF 4 solution demonstrated better remineralizing potency than did the other treatments.