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| Introduction |
| Dental caries, caused by enamel demineralization when pH levels drop, weakens teeth and requires intervention. While synthetic calcium phosphates like nano-hydroxyapatite are effective, the growing demand for sustainable solutions has turned attention to natural sources like CaP-N. Recent research highlights the potential of natural calcium phosphate (CaP-N) from fish bones to remineralize enamel and occlude dentinal tubules, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials in addressing dental caries and sensitivity. |
| This study tested calcium phosphate from fish bones (CaP-N) for dentinal tubule occlusion and enamel remineralization. The null hypothesis assumed no effect, with synthetic nano-hydroxyapatite (CaP-S) as a positive control and water as a negative control. |
| Study Design |
| CaP-N was prepared by thermally treating salmon fish bones, producing a biphasic mixture of hydroxyapatite (HA) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP). Synthetic hydroxyapatite (CaP-S) served as a control. Both materials were analyzed for morphology, crystallinity, and composition, with ion release tested in acidic and neutral solutions. |
| Demineralized human enamel and dentin specimens were treated with CaP-N, CaP-S, or water over 5 days. Surface morphology (SEM-EDS), tubule occlusion (image analysis), and mechanical properties (IIT and DMA) were assessed to evaluate remineralization and dentin desensitization. |
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| Negative control showed open, demineralized tubules. |
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| CaP-N and CaP-S treatments occluded tubule openings almost completely, with CaP-N showing significantly higher occlusion (p < 0.05). |
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| CaP-N formed two types of particles: rounded (<1 µm) and smaller irregular particles (<100 nm). CaP-S covered dentin with nanoparticles. |
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| FEG-SEM revealed CaP-N particles penetrated dentinal tubules up to 4 µm, forming mineral plugs. CaP-S showed similar mineral plug formation. |
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| FEG-SEM micrographs of demineralized dentin surfaces after treatment with (A,D,G) water, (B,E,H) CaP-N and (C,F,I) CaP-S. (L) Tubule occlusion quantification by digital image analysis. The green arrow in panel (H) highlights CaP-N particles, while the light blue arrow highlights the newly formed mineral phase deposited on to the dentin surface. |
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| Enamel Surface Observation (FEG-SEM): |
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Negative Control:
Initial demineralization and voids between enamel prisms due to dissolution of the interprismatic phase. |
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CaP-N:
Continuous enamel surface with no voids, CaP-N particles and nanoparticles deposited in the interprismatic region. |
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CaP-S:
Stoichiometric HA nanoparticles filled voids and deposited on the enamel surface. |
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| (A-F) FEG-SEM micro graphs of the demineralized enamel surfaces after treatment with (A,D) water, (B,E) CaP-N, or (C,F) CaP-S. (G-I) Micrographs of demineralized enamel prism sections after treatment with (G) water, (H) CaP-,N, or (I) CaP-S. Green arrows in panels (H, I) highlight the CaP particles deposited within enamel prisms, while the light blue arrows in panel (H) highlight the newly-formed nanoparticles. |
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| The Innovation: Fish Bone-Derived Calcium Phosphate (CaP-N) |
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Dentin Desensitization:
CaP-N effectively blocks tubules and remineralizes intertubular collagen, offering long-term relief from sensitivity. |
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Enamel Remineralization:
Both CaP-N and CaP-S restore demineralized enamel, but CaP-N exhibits superior bonding and subsurface strengthening. |
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Sustainability:
Utilizing fish bones aligns with eco-friendly practices, making dentistry more sustainable. |
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| Conclusion |
| Natural calcium phosphate from fish bones is not only a sustainable resource but also a powerful tool in modern dentistry. Its remineralization and tubule-occluding capabilities rival those of synthetic materials, offering a greener alternative for treating dental issues. |
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| GGI-CO-A1-AQS-300032384-AM-B25-0187 |
| Reference: |
| Degli Esposti L, Ionescu AC, Gandolfi S, et al. Natural, biphasic calcium phosphate from fish bones for enamel remineralization and dentin tubules occlusion. Dent Mater. 2024;40(4):593-607. doi:10.1016/j.dental.2024.02.019 |
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