{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.04843473124630833, 'fraction_numerical': 0.03780271707028943, 'mean_word_length': 4.742372881355932, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 4, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
Remineralization Effect of Fluoride on Incipient Caries: An in vitro Evaluation with “Digital Subtraction Radiography” Technique

Objectives: Caries prevention is the first priority in the oral healthcare system. Fluoride use is also one of the ways to assure tooth health. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the remineralization effect of fluoride on induced enamel lesions, using “digital subtraction radiography” (DSR) technique. Materials & Methods: This was an analytical laboratory study. Sixty caries-free premolars were selected. Thirty teeth were exposed to the remineralization solution and the rest were placed in the deionized water in incubator for 28 days. Radiographic X-rays were taken of the study samples before the induction of caries lesion, at the 14th and the 28th day of immersing. The images were subtracted from the baseline and the mean value of the gray levels was calculated. Paired t-test and student’s t-test were used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean value of the gray level for control group was 124.7 ± 2.1 (day 14th) and 124.4 ± 1.2 (day 28th). (P<0.24) (t-test=1.177) However, this value for experimental group was 128.5 ± 2.4 (day 14th) and 130.6 ± 2.6 (day 28th). (P<0.001) (t-test=7.89) The values were statistically significant different at both stages of study when the experimental group was compared to control. (P<0.001) The gray scale’s mean was statistically significant within the experimental group at the 14th and 28th day (p<0.001). Conclusion: Remineralization effect of fluoride is detectable and increases along the time. The mineral deposition of fluoride is also quantifiable by means of the DSR technique.