Effect of Lesion Characteristics and Mineralising Solution Type on Enamel Remineralisation in vitro

The aim was to study the effect of lesion preparation technique and solution composition on remineralisation of artificial lesions in vitro. Lesions were prepared with similar total mineral loss, but different mineral distribution, i.e., low (14.0) or high R (34.8) values. Lesions from both groups were remineralised (10 days, 37°C) in two different solutions, with similar supersaturation with respect to hydroxyapatite (St), but calcium:phosphate ratios representing either hydroxyapatite stoichiometry or plaque fluid (PF). Remineralisation was quantified microradiographically, mineral distribution was compared with natural white-spot lesions. Mineral loss and depth decreased significantly, and surface-zone mineral content (Zmax) increased significantly, in all lesions. Overall there was a significant relationship of decreasing remineralisation with increasing Zmax, but not within either lesion type. PF was significantly more efficient than St in high-R lesions, with lesions remineralising almost completely in PF. Remineralisation was not significantly different in PF or St for low-R lesions but in high-R lesions, PF was more efficient than St, possibly through differences in relative saturations with respect to different calcium phosphates. Differences in area:solution ratios and baseline Zmax values may also have explained the different response to PF. Low-R lesions were similar to natural white-spot lesions in terms of mineral distribution, whereas high-R were not. Concluding, both lesion and remineralising solution type had a marked influence on remineralisation. It is proposed that use of low-R lesions would be more appropriate where more physiologically relevant mineral distribution is required, whereas high-R lesions would be appropriate for studying inherent remineralising efficiency.