Comparison between micro‐computed tomography and transverse microradiography of sound dentine treated with fluorides and demineralized by microcosm biofilm

Abstract

The study aimed to apply micro‐computed tomography (micro‐ CT ) and transverse microradiography ( TMR ) to measure dentine demineralization and to test the preventive effect of titanium tetrafluoride (TiF 4 ) under microcosm biofilm. Sound dentine specimens from bovine root were treated for 6 h with: (i) 4.0% titanium tetrafluoride (TiF 4 ) varnish [ pH 1.0, 2.45% fluoride (F−); (ii) 5.42% sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish ( pH 5.0, 2.45% F); (iii) 2% chlorhexidine ( CHX ) gel ( pH 7.0); (iv) placebo varnish ( pH 5.0); or (v) no agent (untreated). Dentine specimens were then exposed to human saliva mixed with McBain saliva for 8 h. Thereafter, McBain saliva containing 0.2% sucrose was applied daily, for 5 d, onto dentine specimens to stimulate formation of microcosm biofilm. Although a high correlation was found between the results of both methods regarding integrated mineral loss, the results of the methods did not show good agreement in Bland–Altman plots, with significant biases in calculations of lesion depth. Fluoride varnishes were able to reduce dentine demineralization ( P < 0.05), while CHX failed to do so. Fluorides are still the best option to reduce dentine demineralization. Micro‐ CT may be used to measure dentine mineral loss, but not the lesion depth, for which TMR is superior.