Assessment of the Remineralization Potential of Boron Nitride Nanoparticles Versus Conventional Agents on Artificial Enamel Lesions.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare the effects of nano-silver fluoride (SDF), casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride (CPP-ACPF), and boron nitride (BN) on the remineralization of artificial initial enamel lesions.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A total of 32 sound permanent maxillary incisor teeth were used in this study. Three 2 × 2 mm sections were obtained from each tooth. One section from each tooth remained untreated and was used as a control; the second section was demineralized and served as a demineralization control, while the third section was subjected to remineralization treatment following demineralization. The samples were randomly assigned to four groups, each containing eight teeth (n = 8). The study groups were as follows: Group 1 (Control): Stored in artificial saliva for 2 weeks; Group 2: SDF-treated group; Group 3: CPP-ACPF-treated group; Group 4: BN-treated group. Following demineralization and remineralization treatments, the samples were evaluated using surface microhardness, surface roughness, SEM, SEM-EDX, and QLF tests. The obtained data were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

When the surface hardness of the samples was compared after demineralization and remineralization treatments, a statistically significant increase in surface hardness was observed in the SDF, CPP-ACPF, and BN groups after remineralization applications (p < 0.05). When the Ca and Ca/P ratios before and after remineralization treatments were compared, a statistically significant increase was observed in the CPP-ACPF and BN groups, while a statistically significant decrease was observed in the SDF group (p < 0.05). When surface roughness values were compared before and after remineralization treatments, a statistically significant increase was observed after demineralization (p < 0.05); however, a statistically significant decrease in surface roughness was observed after the application of SDF, CPP-ACPF, and BN to the demineralized samples (p < 0.05). When the ΔF, ΔFmax, and ΔQ values were compared before and after remineralization, a statistically significant decrease was observed in all three groups (SDF, CPP-ACPF, and BN) after remineralization treatments (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

BN application appears to be promising in the remineralization of initial caries lesions.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Given their bioactivity, chemical stability, and potential antimicrobial properties, BN nanoparticles may offer a novel approach for enhancing enamel repair in non-invasive caries management strategies.