Effect of Fluoride on in vitro Root Surface Lesions

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Abstract
Root surfaces of teeth extracted because of periodontal disease were evaluated with microradiography for their resistance to acid in vitro. The roots were compared in two categories: (1) surfaces exposed to the oral environment in periodontal pockets versus those unexposed, (2) surfaces exposed in periodontal pockets and scaled versus surfaces exposed in periodontal pockets and root-planed. In addition, three commonly used fluoride topical treatments were evaluated for their effectiveness in increasing the resistance of root surfaces to acid demineralization. The acid challenge was 0.01 M lactic acid buffer, pH 4.0, in 1% carboxymethylcellulose, containing 3.0 mM calcium and 1.8 mM inorganic phosphate, at 37 °C. Root surfaces exposed to the oral environment were more resistant than unexposed surfaces. Scaled roots were more resistant than those which were root-planed. All fluoride treatments increased the resistance of root surfaces to acid in vitro, and contributed to the formation of a thick layer of high mineral density over the body of the lesion.