Electron microscopy evaluation of mineralization on peritubular dentin with amorphous calcium magnesium phosphate microspheres

Abstract

Dentin hypersensitivity can be reduced by the use of a remineralization agent to hinder movement of fluids within the dentin tubules. Penetration of particles into the tubules and a continuous release of Ca2+ and phosphate ions can induce the mineralization of a material mimicking the mineral component of dentin, sealing the tubules. In this work, we have used complementary electron microscopy techniques to investigate the ultrastructure of dentin and crystallization and occlusion effects when using amorphous calcium magnesium phosphate (ACMP) microspheres on extracted human molars. Application of the particles in a gel intended for at-home use resulted in intra-tubular mineralization of a carbonate substituted hydroxyapatite (HA). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that crystallization was initiated on the peritubular dentin (PTD) with undirected crystal growth leading to the formation of a porous material. We additionally investigated the effects from using a fluoride toothpaste to potentially improve the remineralization and anti-cariogenic properties of the ACMP microspheres. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) using TEM in scanning mode (STEM) showed that fluoride incorporation resulted in an increase in aspect ratio of the crystals, crystal growth directed towards the center of the tubule lumen and densification of the mineralized material. Thus, ACMP microspheres are promising alternatives as occluding agents and the efficacy of the particles could be further improved with the complementary use of a fluoride toothpaste.