Abstract:

Objective To explore the effects of different permeating time of penetrating resin on the penetration depth (PD) of early artificial enamel caries. Methods Fifty healthy premolars without caries that were extracted for orthodontic reason were selected and the model of artificial enamel caries was established. Samples were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=10) and penetrated by the penetrating resin for 1, 2, 2.5, 3, and 4 min, respectively, then cured by light for 60 s. Specimens were prepared after the teeth were sliced and polished and observed under the inverted fluorescence microscope. The lesion depth (LD) and PD were measured and the penetration percentage (PP) was calculated. Results PD of penetrating resin at 1 min was significantly less than that at 3 min. And 90% of maximum LD could be achieved at 2.5 min and the maximum LD could be achieved at 3 min. More permeating time would not significantly affect the PD. The differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion The maximum LD of early enamel caries can be achieved at permeating time of 3 min.

Key words: early enamel caries, penetrating resin, permeating time, penetration depths, inverted fluorescence microscope