Effect of iontophoresis on fluoride uptake in enamel with artificial caries lesion.

Silas Arandas Monteiro e Silva,Cínthia Pereira Machado Tabchoury,Maria Cibelle Pauli,Gislaine Ricci Leonardi,Gláucia Maria Bovi Ambrosano,Renata Fonseca Vianna Lopez

doi:10.1590/1807-3107bor-2019.vol33.0037

Silas Arandas Monteiro e Silva, Cínthia Pereira Machado Tabchoury

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1807-3107bor-2019.vol33.0037

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Abstract

Iontophoresis is a noninvasive technique, based on the application of a constant low-intensity electric current to facilitate the release of a variety of drugs, whether ionized or not, through biological membranes. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of iontophoresis using different electric current intensities on the uptake of fluoride in dental enamel with artificial caries lesions. In this in vitro operator-blind experiment, bovine enamel blocks (n = 10/group) with caries-like lesions and predetermined surface hardness were randomized into 6 groups: placebo gel without fluoride applied with a current of 0.8 mA (negative control), 2% NaF gel without application of any current, and 2% NaF gel applied with currents of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mA. Cathodic iontophoresis was applied for 4 min. The concentration of loosely bound fluoride (calcium fluoride) and firmly bound fluoride (fluorapatite) was determined. The results were analyzed by the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests. Iontophoresis at 0.8 mA, combined with the application of fluoridated gel (2% NaF), increased fluoride uptake in enamel with caries-like lesions, as either calcium fluoride or fluorapatite.

Highlights

Iontophoresis is a noninvasive technique, based on the application of a constant low-intensity electric current to facilitate the release of a variety of drugs, whether ionized or not, through biological membranes.[1]
Experimental design In this in vitro operator-blind experiment, bovine enamel blocks (n = 10/group) with caries-like lesions and predetermined surface hardness values, were randomized into 6 groups: placebo gel without fluoride applied with a current of 0.8 mA, 2% NaF gel without application of any current, and 2% NaF gel applied with currents of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mA
An increase in %SHR was observed in all the groups treated with fluoride, mainly in the group treated with iontophoresis at the intensity of 0.8 mA; this group showed the highest median values

Summary

Introduction

Iontophoresis is a noninvasive technique, based on the application of a constant low-intensity electric current to facilitate the release of a variety of drugs, whether ionized or not, through biological membranes.[1] The electrical current is supplied by a battery or power source, and is distributed via positive (anode) and negative (cathode) electrodes through an electrolytic solution. When the current is applied, the cations that are in contact with the anode move in the direction of the cathode, whereas the anions at the cathode move in the opposite direction.[1,2] Several studies evaluated the influence of iontophoresis on enhancing the skin penetration of drugs, and assessed its applicability as a tool in treating skin and eye diseases.[3,4,5].

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