Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopic Analysis of Enamel Following Different Surface Treatments: An Invitro Study

Abstract

Dental caries is an oral disease that has a global footprint. The first onslaught is subsurface, and at this stage, it can be remineralized. This study attempts to analyze the compositional changes that occur during demineralization and different surface treatment remineralization protocols. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the compositional changes caused by different surface treatments on demineralized enamel. Methodology: Six extracted intact posterior teeth were selected and sectioned mesiodistally to achieve two halves. Each half was further divided into six equal sizes to achieve 12 samples per tooth. Except for one sample, which served as the control for that particular tooth, the remaining samples were placed in a demineralizing solution (acetate 0.1 Mol/L, calcium 0.1 Mol/L, phosphate 0.1 Mol/L and fluoride 0.1 mg/L pH 5.0) for 24 h. The samples were then assigned to groups and surface-treated as described below. The samples were grouped as follows so as to subject each sample to the following different surface treatments: Group 1: control, Group 2: Demineralized, Group 3: Laser 1 Watt, Group 4: Laser 2 Watts, Group 5: Laser 3 Watts, Group 6: Laser 3.5 Watts, Group 7: CPP-ACPF, Group 8: CPP-ACPF & Laser 3.5 Watts, Group 9: Enafix, Group 10: Enafix & Laser 3.5 Watts, Group 11: MI Paste and Group 12: MI Paste & Laser 3.5 Watts. The laser used for irradiating the samples in the respective laser groups utilized different wattages of an 810 nm aluminum–gallium–arsenide laser for 30 s. The samples were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry coupled with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR). A qualitative analysis was performed. Result: The 3.5 watts aluminum–gallium–arsenide laser followed by CPP-ACPF caused compositional changes in the organic and inorganic components of the enamel tissues, and these changes were similar to those of the control teeth. Conclusion: Aluminum–gallium–arsenide laser irradiation alone does cause compositional changes and makes the enamel conducive for remineralization.