CARIES REMINERALIZATION, REGENERATION, AND REPAIR OF NATURAL TOOTH STRUCTURE: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS.

Abstract

Background: A white spot (opacity) is the result of acid dissolution (demineralization) of the existing hydroxyapatite crystal structure, which produces porosity in the enamel's base.

Aim: To assess the effect of 5 % NaF (Sodium fluoride) and 38 % SDF (Silver diamine fluoride) on remineralization of early enamel caries.

Methods:  This systematic review encompassed 6 studies, with 3482 patients. The primary search across five databases yielded 450 studies. Upon the removal of duplicate studies, 178 unique articles remained for further assessment. Screening involved scrutinizing the titles and abstracts, as a consequence, sixty-six research with potential relevance were identified & subjected to full text assessment. Fifty of this research were excluded in accordance with predetermined criteria.

Results: Remineralization using 5 % NaF (Sodium fluoride) was evaluated in three research totaling 264 patients with statistically significant higher remineralization of early enamel caries in the 5 % NaF (Sodium fluoride) group than the control group. RR and corresponding 95%CI= 1.89[1.46, 2.45],p-value<0.00001. Heterogeneity was observed among our pooled studies with chi-p=0.12, and I2=54%. Meta-analysis of the five-research using 38 % SDF (Silver diamine fluoride) to arrest dentine caries.

Conclusion: Remineralization of early enamel caries is demonstrated when five percent sodium fluoride or silver diamine fluoride solution at thirty-eight percent varnish is applied professionally. Further clinical trials should be conducted to examine the arresting impact of dental caries, as the number of such trials is limited.