Sealing Ability of Enamel Crack Using Various Dentin Desensitizers

Abstract

 Purpose: With the increase in number of remaining teeth per capita, the incidence of noncariogenic diseases other than dental caries and periodontal disease is also increasing. Among the noncariogenic diseases, microcracks in enamel (enamel cracks) may be a cause of hypersensitivity with no substance defect. The incidence of enamel cracks in healthy teeth is reported to exceed 95% in subjects aged 40 years or older. Considering sealing of enamel cracks with dentin desensitizers (desensitizers) based on their fast-acting property and convenience, we measured the permeation inhibition rate using a dentin hypersensitivity model. At the same time, the influence of the storage condition on the permeation inhibition rate was also investigated by storing specimens in either distilled water or remineralization solution.

 Methods: Enamel crack specimens were prepared using healthy bovine teeth with no dental caries. A device was prepared following the method reported by Pashley et al., each specimen was connected to the device and the inner pressure was set at 25 mmHg. The desensitizers used in the experiment were SUPER SEAL (SS), MS Coat F (MS), Nano Seal (NS), Teethmate Desensitizer (TD), and G-Premio BOND (GP). After the application of each desensitizer, the enamel crack permeation inhibition rate was measured. After measurement, the specimens were stored in distilled water (DW group) or remineralization solution (RS group), and the enamel crack permeation inhibition rate was measured after one week, after one month and after three months.

 Results: The permeation inhibition rates at one month and at three months were significantly higher than that immediately after application in the SS-, TD-, and NS-applied DW groups. In the SS- and NS-applied RS groups, the permeation inhibition rates at one month and at three months were significantly higher than that immediately after application. In the TD-applied RS group, the permeation inhibition rate at three months was significantly higher than that immediately after application. In the MS-applied DW and RS groups, the permeation inhibition rates at one week, at one month and at three months were significantly higher than that immediately after application. In the GP-applied DW and RS groups, high sealability was noted from immediately after application, but the differences were not significant.

 Conclusion: It is suggested that although the timing of the demonstrated effect differs among the desensitizers, the effect is demonstrated by repeated application.