Enamel surface remineralization: Using synthetic nanohydroxyapatite

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of synthetically processed hydroxyapatite particles in remineralization of the early enamel lesions in comparison with 2% sodium fluoride. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty sound human premolars were divided into nanohydroxyapatite group (n = 15) and the sodium fluoride group (n = 15). The specimens were subjected to demineralization before being coated with 10% aqueous slurry of 20 nm nanohydroxyapatite or 2% sodium fluoride. The remineralizing efficacy of the materials was evaluated using surface microhardness (SMH) measurements, scanning microscopic analysis and analysis of the Ca/P ratio of the surface enamel. Data analysis was carried out using paired t-test and independent t-test. RESULTS: The results showed that the nanohydroxyapatite group produced a surface morphology close to the biologic enamel, the increase in mineral content (Ca/P ratio) was more significant in the nanohydroxyapatite group (P < 0.05) and the SMH recovery was closer to the baseline level in the nanohydroxyapatite group (P < 0.05). Both the groups did not show any significant difference in thickness (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of biomimetic nanohydroxyapatite as a remineralizing agent holds promise as a new synthetic enamel biocompatible material to repair early carious lesions.