SnF2 treatment of enamel, hydroxyapatite or brushite at 37 degrees C and 50 degrees C: an infra-red investigation.

The effect of 4% SnF2 on brushite, hydroxyapatite and powdered bovine enamel applied for short, 15 or 30 minute, periods was investigated using infra-red spectroscopy. It was found that brushite was converted into a fluoridated hydroxyapatite, a reaction which was both time and temperature dependent. The reactions of hydroxyapatite and powdered enamel with SnF2 were similar. There was a drop in the OH- peak intesities. X-ray diffraction analysis of these samples showed that F- ions occupied mainly OH positions in the hydroxyapatite lattice structure. In all reactions an increase in temperature from 37 degrees C to 50 degrees C increased the reaction speed by at least a factor 2. The most probable result of in vivi SnF2 application on sound enamel is the formation of a fluoridated hydroxyapatite together wity stannous complexes and amorphous CaF2. In demineralized areas some of the brushite is converted into a fluoridated hydroxyapatite as is some of the remaining hydroxyapatite. In the more protected area of an enamel lesion these reactions may well continue for some time after the topical fluoride application; Sn2F3PO4 may also therefore be formed.