Remineralization of tooth enamel (fluoridation) is the saturation of tooth enamel with mineral components, leading to the restoration of the structure.
The main structural elements of teeth are calcium and phosphorus. Fluorine, despite its ability to reduce the solubility of enamel, can hardly be considered a structural element of teeth, since its percentage in healthy enamel averages 0.15%. However, fluoride is a factor influencing the formation of acid-resistant forms of apatite (the main substance of tooth enamel). That is why, remineralization of teeth is carried out using compounds containing calcium and phosphorus. To increase the effectiveness, remtherapy is combined with the use of fluoride-containing drugs. Most often, fluorides are prescribed after the completion of a course of remineralizing therapy, to reduce the release of calcium from tooth enamel.
To achieve the effect of remineralization, a number of conditions must be met:
remineralizing agents must come into contact with tooth enamel. That is, the surface of the teeth must be cleaned of dental deposits.
remineralizing agents should be on the surface of the enamel for a long time; Abstinence from taking rough food for 4-5 hours.
Indications for remtherapy:
all patients (adults and children) with dental caries, before filling to restore enamel along the edge of carious cavities, and in the future, to increase the service life of fillings;
in order to prevent caries in children during the period of immature enamel, as well as in pregnant and lactating women – the enamel becomes stronger and more resistant to dissolution;
with initial caries in the white spot stage, the weakened enamel area is saturated with minerals, the stain is reduced or completely disappears;
with non-carious lesions of the teeth (fluorosis, enamel hypoplasia, tooth enamel erosion, wedge-shaped defect, pathological abrasion, etc.) – to reduce the hypersensitivity of the teeth and strengthen the affected tissues, the spots on the enamel become less noticeable, the enamel shine appears;
to reduce the hypersensitivity of teeth – the effect is associated with the restoration of the structure of the enamel, while most agents to reduce hypersensitivity seal the dentinal tubules without affecting the solubility of the enamel;
during the period of teeth whitening and at the end – in order to reduce the risk of caries, stabilize the results of whitening and reduce hypersensitivity;
in the process of orthodontic treatment and upon completion – for the treatment of initial forms of caries and the prevention of caries.
Types of remineralization:
fluoridation is the most widely used type of remineralization. The main active element is fluorine, it actively saturates the teeth with fluoride. Fluoridation can be carried out using special caps with gel, coating of tooth enamel with fluorine varnish and deep fluoridation, based on the chemical reaction of fluorine and silicic acid crystals with enamel.
remineralization based on preparations that do not contain fluorine, they are usually made on the basis of calcium and phosphates. These techniques are safer, but are considered less effective. They can be used at home as fluoride-free pastes and gels are not harmful to health if swallowed.