In vitro evaluation of remineralizing agents on dentinal tubule occlusion: A scanning electron microscopic study

CONTEXT: Over the years, numerous treatment modalities have been researched for the management of dentinal hypersensitivity. A recent remineralizing agent containing a phase of amorphous calcium phosphate combined with fluoride has shown the ability to rapidly convert into biomimetic hydroxyapatite. This potential can be utilized in occluding the dentinal tubules for the treatment of hypersensitivity. AIMS: The present study aims to compare the effectiveness of biomimetic hydroxyapatite-based tooth mousse and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) tooth mousse as desensitizing agents on dentinal tubule occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The in vitro study design involved 30 prepared dentin specimens that were divided into three groups: Group A: negative control, Group B: CPP-ACP tooth mousse (GC tooth mousse(™)), and Group C: fluoride-doped amorphous calcium phosphate (F-ACP) tooth mousse (Curasept Biosmalto Denti Sensibili Tooth Mousse). The specimens were observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an attached energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy apparatus after 1 week. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis test and post hoc Mann–Whitney test for intragroup and intergroup analysis, respectively. RESULTS: The SEM analysis of the F-ACP group showed statistically greater percentage of tubule occlusion (40.21%) compared to the CPP-ACP group (38.15%). EDX analysis of both F-ACP and CPP-ACP groups revealed calcium, phosphorus, carbon, oxygen, and silica with an additional fluoride element in the F-ACP group. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, both remineralizing agents were able to occlude the dentinal tubules. Among the two, the F-ACP tooth mousse showed greater tubule occlusion, and therefore, appears promising as an upcoming remineralizing agent in the management of dentinal hypersensitivity.