Long-term evaluation of the stability of dentin matrix following treatments with aqueous solutions of titanium tetrafluoride at different concentrations.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of aqueous solutions of different concentrations of titanium tetrafluoride (TiF) on dentin matrix stability up to six months.

DESIGN

Dentin specimens prepared from fifteen nonerupted molars were demineralized and randomly distributed into groups: 2.5% TiF, 4% TiF 1000 ppm NaF, and control (distilled water). The modulus of elasticity (ME) and dry masses of the dentin matrix were determined at baseline, and up to 6 months following treatment. Collagen solubilization was estimated by hydroxyproline (HYP) quantification in the simulated body fluid used to store the dentin specimens.

RESULTS

The 2.5% TiF group presented higher ME immediately after treatment, and at 3 and 6 months storage, whereas 4% TiF showed higher means at 3 and 6 months (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed among the groups over time (p = 0.9325). However, the 2.5% TiF group showed significantly higher ME than the control group, immediately after treatment. All the groups presented significantly higher mass change immediately, compared with 3 and 6 months (p < 0.0001). Except for the 4% TiF group, HYP release was higher in the first quarter (p = 0.0152), when no significant differences were found among the groups. In the second quarter, the means were significantly higher in the 2.5% TiF and 4% TiF groups. The group treated with 2.5% TiF had a statistically higher HYP release than the control group.

CONCLUSION

An aqueous solution of 2.5% TiF increases the immediate stiffness values, but does not stabilize the collagenous dentin matrix.