Assessment of Fluoride-Releasing Materials in Remineralization of Adjacent Demineralized Enamel

This study aimed to evaluate the ability of fluoride-releasing restorative materials to remineralize artificially demineralized proximal enamel adjacent to class II restorations. Fifty-four demineralized enamel lesions were created on extracted premolar teeth, and the baseline lesion depth (LD) and mineral density (MD) were measured using micro-CT. The samples were randomly assigned to one of four groups, each in contact with a class II restorative material: Filtek Z350 XT™ (FZ), Cention N® (CN), Fuji II LC® (FJ), or Equia Forte® (EQ). Finally, post 14 days of pH cycling, measurements were taken. SEM, EDX, and Raman Imaging Microscopy were additionally performed. The results showed significant reductions in LD for all fluoride-releasing materials (CN, FJ, EQ). EQ and CN showed a significantly higher percentage change in LD than FZ. The MD of adjacent demineralized enamel increased significantly in all groups. There was no significant difference in the percentage change in MD between groups. SEM-EDX images revealed greater mineral deposition in fluoride-releasing materials than FZ. The Ca/P ratio of demineralized enamel adjacent to CN was equal to that of EQ, while FJ demonstrated the highest ratio. In conclusion, fluoride-releasing materials exhibited a reduction in the LD of adjacent demineralized enamel and demonstrated Ca/P ratios higher than FZ. CN may be an alternative restorative material to remineralize adjacent demineralized enamel.