Enamel, cementum and dentin fluoride uptake from a fluoride releasing resin composite.

The purpose of this study was to determine the fluoride release by and the enamel, cementum and dentin fluoride uptake from a visible light-cured fluoride-containing resin composite. Seven circular discs of the composite were prepared and the fluoride release in distilled water determined at daily intervals for 14 days, and then after 30, 90, 180, 365 and 550 days. The baseline fluoride concentrations in enamel and cementum were determined in three successive depths by an acid etch biopsy procedure and in dentin by an abrasion biopsy procedure. Composite slabs were prepared and ligated to the enamel, cementum and dentin surfaces and the teeth were suspended in synthetic saliva for 7 or 30 days. After removal of the composite, similar biopsy procedures were performed. The teeth were then immersed in 1 M KOH for 24 hours and similar biopsies done. The fluoride concentrations were adjusted to standardized depths of 2.0 microns for enamel, 4.0 microns for cementum and 10.0 microns for dentin, and the total and bound fluoride uptake calculated. The fluoride release from the composite dropped sharply after 1 day and after 180 days reached a plateau which remained relatively constant up to 550 days. The results of this in vitro study indicated that the mineralized dental tissues acquired fluoride at various depths.