Evaluation of nano-hydroxyapatite application on fluorosed and nonfluorosed dentinal surface: A scanning electron microscope study

Abstract

Introduction: Although there are many desensitizing medications on the market with promising results, their therapeutic advantages are sometimes fleeting or diminished over time since they might be gradually destroyed by consistent tooth brushing or ingestion of acidic beverages. Aim: In this scanning electron microscope study, an initial effort was made to evaluate and compare the dentinal changes that occurred after healthy fluorosed and nonfluorosed teeth were subjected to the application of 1% and 10% nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAP) desensitizing agents. Materials and Methods: This study included 10 healthy fluorosed teeth and 10 nonfluorosed teeth with ages ranging from 20 to 40 years. Test Group 1 received 1% n-HAP desensitizing agent, whereas test Group 2 received 10% n-HAP formulation. Over 7 days, the dentin samples were brushed twice daily for 2 min. The samples were subsequently exposed to artificial saliva for 1 week. The diameter of the dentinal tubules was measured using ImageJ, and the dentinal tubules were manually counted using Adobe Photoshop CS3. Results and Discussion: When comparing the quantity and percentage of completely and partially occluded dentinal tubules in teeth treated with 1% and 10% n-HAP desensitizing agents, no statistically significant differences between fluorosed and nonfluorosed teeth were found (P = 0.94). Furthermore, the mean diameter of partially occluded dentinal tubules in fluorosed and nonfluorosed teeth was statistically significant (P = 0.00). Conclusion: When n-HAP toothpaste was used, dentinal tubules were occluded. Data from this trial and other studies indicate the therapeutic efficacy of the n-HAP dentifrice, suggesting that it could be utilized to reduce dentin hypersensitivity.