Efficacy of remineralizing potential of β-tricalcium phosphate nanoparticles versus functionalized β-tricalcium phosphate nanoparticles

Abstract Background Recently, the scientific community concentrated on the noninvasive management of noncavitated caries lesions using calcium phosphate nanotechnology for enamel remineralization. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of remineralizing potential of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) nanoparticles versus functionalized β-TCP nanoparticles using energy dispersive radiograph analysis and Digital Display Vickers Microhardness Tester. Materials and methods Sixty noncarious, sound human permanent premolars were randomly divided into four equal groups. Group I: functionalized β-TCP nanoparticles, group II: β-TCP nanoparticles, group III: sodium fluoride mouthwash, and group IV: artificial saliva. The specimens were treated under a daily pH cycling regime. Assessment of calcium and phosphorous using energy dispersive radiograph analysis scanning electron microscope, also, surface microhardness was determined using Digital Display Vickers Tester. Results The analysis of variance test revealed no significant difference in calcium and phosphate concentration content of enamel among groups except at the sixth week of remineralization, the post-hoc Tukey test showed significant differences in group IV and the other groups. Moreover, there was a significant difference in enamel hardness after sixth week of remineralization. The post-hoc Tukey test revealed a statistically significant difference between group IV and group III versus group I and group II. Conclusion Functionalized β-TCP nanoparticles had a better effect as a remineralizing therapy for demineralized enamel. As well as it has the best stability and a long-lasting effect to be applied clinically as a noninvasive technique for initial enamel caries remineralization.