ROOT-SURFACE CARIES FORMATION - EFFECT OF IN-VITRO APF TREATMENT

To determine the effect of one- and four-minute acidulated phosphate f luoride, or APF (Oral-B Minute Gel, Oral-B Laboratories) treatments on artificial caries development in root surfaces, an In vitro study was conducted. The authors created a window of exposed root surface on ex tracted teeth by applying acid-resistant varnish to the remaining surf ace. APF treatment was administered and followed by a 24-hour deionize d-distilled water rinse. A window of sound root surface that had been protected from the APF treatment was exposed and served as a control. Acidified gel was then applied to the exposed root surfaces to create the artificial caries. The authors found that APF treatment significan tly enhanced resistance to demineralization of root surfaces from an i n vitro acidogenic challenge. However, there was little difference in effectiveness between the one-and four-minute APF treatment times.