Comparative Evaluation of Remineralization Potential of Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride and Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles with and without Iontophoresis on the Incipient Carious Lesion in Permanent Teeth

Background: A non- invasive method used to improve the drug delivery with the help of electric arena is termed as Iontophoresis. The iontophoresis process may cause deeper penetration of ions using electric current. Remineralizing nanomaterial may be infused at higher concentrations in the deeper layer of incipient caries under the influence of iontophoresis. Hydroxyapatite crystals are the most stable form of calcium phosphate which is responsible for the mechanical strength of the dental tissues. Improvedre-mineralization occurs more with the apatite particle size of less than 4 µm. Due to the size of the nanocomplexes ofhydroxyapatite, there can be possibilities that they would enter the porosities and diffuse into the body of the subsurface lesion to enhance remineralization using iontophoresis technique.

Objectives: 1) To evaluate the remineralization potential of APF gel with or without iontophoresis on the incipient carious lesion in permanent teeth. 2) To evaluate the remineralization potential of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles with or without iontophoresis on the incipient carious lesion of permanent teeth. 3) To compare the remineralization potential of APF gel and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles with or without iontophoresis on the incipient carious lesion in permanent teeth.

Methodology: Forty extracted intact teeth will be taken and artificial caries will be induced. These specimens will be randomly divided into five groups as per the treatment - 1) APF gel application 2) APF gel with iontophoresis 3) Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles solution application 4) Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles solution with iontophoresis 5) Distilled water (control group). Remineralization will be analysis by using Vickers hardness test. The alterations in the carious lesion will be assessed by confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Expected Results: APF gel and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles with iontophoresis will give superior remineralization effect as compared to the conventional method.

Conclusion: The utilization of the iontophoresis with hydroxyapatite nanoparticle will provide improved mineralization of incipient caries and prove to be a better method for treatment.