Remineralization of dentin slices using casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate combined with sodium tripolyphosphate

BACKGROUND: The remineralization approach mechanically occludes the exposed dentinal tubules mechanically, reduces the permeability of dentinal tubules and eliminates the symptoms of dentin hypersensitivity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the remineralization of demineralized dentin slices using CPP–ACP combined with TPP, and the research hypothesis was that CPP–ACP combined with TPP could result in extrafibrillar and intrafibrillar remineralization of dentin. METHODS: Demineralized dentin slices were prepared and randomly divided into the following groups: A (the CPP–ACP group), B (the CPP–ACP + TPP combination group), C (the artificial saliva group), D (the negative control group), and E (the positive control group). Dentin slice samples from groups A, B and C were remineralized and the remineralization effect was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). RESULTS: Treatment with CPP–ACP combined with TPP occluded the dentinal tubules and resulted in remineralization of collagen fibrils. The hydroxyapatite crystals formed via remineralization were found to closely resemble the natural dentin components. CONCLUSION: CPP–ACP combined with TPP has a good remineralization effect on demineralized dentin slices.