Real-time measurement of in vitro enamel demineralization in the vicinity of the restoration-tooth interface

An X-ray attenuation method using photon counting (scanning microradiograph y) is presented for the real-time study of in vitro demineralization of den tal tissues in the vicinity of the restoration-tooth interface. By repeated measurement of mineral content profiles during the course of demineralizat ion, the pattern of lesion development and the rate of mineral loss can be studied. The method is illustrated by comparison of enamel demineralization near a polyacid-modified composite resin restoration, near a bis-GMA/TEGMA composite resin restoration, and in an unrestored control. The method has potential for study of the influence of restorative materials on susceptibi lity of tooth tissue to demineralization. (C) 1999 Kluwer Academic Publishe rs.