Comparative analysis of the remineralization potential of cpp-acp with fluoride, tri-calcium phosphate and nano hydroxyapatite using SEM/EDx-an in vitro study

Background: In recent years, the non-invasive management of non cavitated caries lesions using remineralization systems to repair the enamel have received more attention from the scientific community. Aim: To quantitatively evaluate the remineralization potential of Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium phosphate-Fluoride(-CPP-ACPF), Tri-calcium phosphate(TCP) & Nano-hydroxyapatite(n-Hap) using Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM) and Energy dispersive X-ray Analysis(EDX). Material and Methods: 40 enamel specimens were prepared, and immersed in demineralising solution at a pH of 4.4 for 96 hours at 37°C, to induce artificial carious lesions. Remineralization was carried out for a period of 30 days using CPP-ACPF, TCP, n-Hap. The specimens were evaluated for calcium and phosphorus content using SEM-EDX. Results: The Ca/P mass % after remineralization was significantly higher with CPP-ACP-F and TCP-F followed by n-Ha. Conclusions: CPP-ACP-F and TCP can promote significant remineralization of incipient carious lesions. These are excellent delivery vehicles available in a slow release amorphous form to localize calcium, phosphate and fluoride at the tooth surface.