High-Resolution Characterization of Enamel Remineralization Using Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry and Electron Microscopy.

Introduction: The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the suitability of high-resolution time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) for visualizing cross-sectional changes in human enamel microstructure and chemical composition during treatment and remineralization cycling of artificially generated caries lesions underneath an artificial plaque.

Methods: Treatments consisted of exposure to twice daily toothpaste/water slurries prepared from 0, 1,100, and 5,000 μg/g fluoride (F) NaF/silica toothpastes. In addition, treatments with slurries prepared from 1,100 μg/g F SnF2/silica toothpastes were done using 44Ca in the remineralization solution to allow for differentiation of newly formed mineral and exploration of incorporated metal dopants using ToF-SIMS.