Current Developments on Enamel and Dentin Remineralization

AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo present an overview of the ongoing research on enamel and dentin remineralization and to describe particle-mediated and biomimetic approaches. The importance of restoring tissue functionality as the ultimate goal of remineralization is emphasized.Recent FindingsCalcium-releasing particles and adjuvants to increase fluoride uptake by enamel are described in the literature. In order to recover the prismatic structure in mineral-depleted enamel, amelogenin-derived peptides and amelogenin analogues have been proposed as templates for apatite deposition. In dentin, mineral deposition per se is not enough to recover the mechanical properties, and the use of biomimetic analogs is necessary to guide apatite formation into the collagen intrafibrillar spaces.SummaryThe use of biomimetic analogues associated with ion-releasing materials seems a promising approach for both enamel and dentin remineralization. Clinical translational protocols are still premature and have, so far, only been explored experimentally in vitro, with good outcomes particularly on structural and functional repair of artificial dentin carious lesions.
Source: Current Oral Health Reports - Category: Dentistry Source Type: research