Evaluation of remineralization seen in dentin related to ceramic restorations

Background: Recently, the caries management had shifted from extension for prevention to early detection and remineralization of remaining tooth structure using noninvasive techniques. Aim: The present trial was carried out to assess the effect of adding mono-n-Dodecyl phosphate as a surfactant to ceramic on remineralization of dentin. Materials and Methods: The 32 teeth were divided into the following four groups randomly (n = 8 each group) – Group I: cavities not restored, Group II: Restored with ceramic, Group III: restored with ceramic and 2% mono-n-Dodecyl phosphate, and Group IV: restored with ceramic and 5% mono-n-Dodecyl phosphate. Knoop indenter microhardness tests were done at 10, 20, and 40 days. The surface was evaluated under scanning electron microscope. The collected data were subjected to statistical evaluation, and the results were formulated. Results: In ceramic restored (Group II), an increase in Knoop microhardness (KHN) values was seen at 10-, 20-, and 40-day assessment with the respective values of 102.2 ± 20.3, 118.7 ± 19.4, and 127 ± 15.1. Similarly, a constant increase at different assessments was observed for Groups III and IV with 2% and 5% of mono-n-Dodecyl phosphate with ceramic with a 40-day KHN value of 128.2 ± 21.4 for Group III and 113.5 ± 17.3 for Group IV. A statistically significant difference was seen between ceramic and 5% mono-n-Dodecyl phosphate (Group IV) with hardness values of 30.31%, 29.8%, and 21.78% for Groups II, III, and IV, respectively, at 20 days. Conclusion: The present study concludes that ceramic restorations are effective in promoting dentin remineralization. However, the addition of only 2% mono-n-Dodecyl phosphate was beneficial, whereas 5% mono-n-Dodecyl phosphate reduced the efficacy of ceramic on dentin remineralization.