[Induced remineralization of carious dentin. Electronic microprobe analysis].

Our electron microprobe studies show the preferential incorporation in vitro of tin and fluorure into carious dentin. These ions do penetrate only into carious dentin through the body of the lesion. These ions do not progress through the sclerotic dentin barrier, when it exists which tend to demonstrate their affinity for demineralized tissues. Results of microprobe analysis may suggest the hypothesis of a crystalline arrangement as the product of reaction between residual apatite in carious dentin with stannous fluoride. A new crystalline phase could occur within the carious zone, up to the sclerotic barrier. This method does not permit to indicate its identity or its structure. However, it has been recognized in previous studies as a tin phosphate compound. Further analytic studies, using crystallographic technics of the treated zones could provide additional data of the observations from the electron microprobe and confirm the hypothesis of the ability of carious dentin to be remineralized by the use of stannous fluoride containing solutions or materials.