OBJECTIVETo investigate the influence of soluble phosphoprotein removal from artificial dentin caries lesions by pretreatment of NaCl on subsequent remineralization.

METHODSHuman root dentin samples were demineralized in an acidic gel (pH = 4.4) at 37 degrees C for 48 hours. Samples were pretreated with 0.5 mol/L NaCl solution and 0.5 mol/L disodium EDTA solution respectively. The histomorphologic changes of root caries surface were examined by scannings electronic microscope. Mineral profiles were assessed by means of microradiography.

RESULTSNo histomorphologic changes were present on root caries surface after treated with 0.5 mol/L NaCl solution, while many opened dentin tubules were seen after treated with 0.5 mol/L disodium EDTA solution. The remineralization results showed that pretreatment with 0.5 mol/L NaCl solution increased more remineralization than pretreated with 0.5 mol/L disodium EDTA solution.

CONCLUSION0.5 mol/L NaCl solution has no damage on the root caries surface. The in vitro results suggested that removal of soluble phosphoprotein from dentin lesions is an interesting approach to enhance remineralization.