Comparison of Artificial Caries-Like Lesions by Quantitative Microradiography and Microhardness Profiles

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Abstract
A direct comparison of quantitative microradiography and microhardness profiles was made using artificial caries-like lesions in human enamel. Tooth crowns with lesions were cut in half through the center of the lesions and opposing halves were assessed by one of the techniques, from the anatomical surface, across the lesion, and into the underlying enamel. A linear relationship was found between volume percent mineral determined by microradiography and the square root of the Knoop Hardness Number assessed by microhardness testing in the mineral range of 40–90 volume percent. The relationship also holds for sound dentine. It is concluded that either technique can be used to measure mineral profiles through carious lesions as a result of demineralization and presumably remineralization.