PENETRATION OF VARNISHES INTO DEMINERALIZED ROOT DENTIN IN-VITRO

In this paper the penetration of three different varnishes employed in caries prevention (Duraphat(R), Fluor Protector(R) and Cervitec(R)) i nto demineralized dentine is quantified using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The results show that the varnish penetration into lesions about 85 mu m in depth is for Cervitec about 35 mu m and considerably less for Duraphat and Fluor Protector The penetration is into the den tinal tubules and is influenced by dentinal tubule direction. The dryi ng procedure - pretreatment of the dentine - influences the penetratio n, though sizeably only for Cervitec applications. This paper shows th at varnish penetration into the tissue and presumably 'sealing' tubule s completely or partly is valuable with respect to root caries prevent ion and hypersensitivity.