Fabricating a novel bioactive resin Infiltrant to treat white spot lesions of enamel.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to develop a novel bioactive resin infiltrant (BRI) to treat white spot lesions (WSLs) of enamel.

METHODS: BRI was prepared by adding an appropriate amount of high-phosphorus bioactive glass named as PSC (10.8 mol% P2O5-54.2 mol% SiO2-35 mol% CaO) to resin matrix which including 86.5 wt% TEGDMA, 10 wt% HEMA, 0.4 wt% Bis-GMA, 2.6 wt% DMAEMA and 0.5 wt% CQ. The degree of conversion, cytotoxicity, microhardness, elastic modulus, water sorption, and calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) ion release of BRI were evaluated. The color change, microhardness, and remineralization of demineralized enamel samples treated with BRI were observed. Icon resin infiltrant (IRI, DMG, Germany) was used as the control.

RESULTS: BRI were proved to be bioactive due to the ability to release Ca and P ions and form hydroxyapatite. The degree of conversion, biocompatibility, and physical properties of BRI were comparable to those of IRI. After application to demineralized enamel, BRI showed similar effects to IRI control group on the color change and penetration depth of enamel. After 28 days of immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF), the microhardness of demineralized enamel treated with BRI is higher than that treated with IRI (P<0.05). PSC particles were observed at the resin-enamel interface after BRI application by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

SIGNIFICANCE: The novel bioactive resin infiltrant has the potential to promote remineralization of demineralized enamel and is expected to be used in the treatment of early enamel caries.