Ion release and in vitro enamel fluoride uptake associated with pit and fissure sealants containing microencapsulated remineralizing agents.

Purpose: To determine if pit-and-fissure sealants with microencapsulated remineralizing agents with sustained release of fluoride, calcium and phosphate ions could promote enamel fluoride uptake by demineralized tooth structure.

Methods: Sealants that contained 5 w/w% microcapsules with aqueous solutions of 5M Ca(NO3)2 or 0.8M NaF or 6.0M K2HPO4 or a mixture of all three were prepared. Ion release profiles were measured as a function of time. Enamel fluoride uptake by demineralized tooth structure was determined.

Results: Sustained release of fluoride, calcium and phosphate ions from a sealant was demonstrated. Fluoride uptake by demineralized enamel was significantly increased compared to a control sealant manufactured without microcapsules (P< 0.01). Bovine enamel that contained 2.2±2.1 µg F/g of enamel prior to exposure to a sealant without microcapsules had 2.3±0.5 after 90 days. Enamel exposed to sealant with 5w/% NaF microcapsules went from 3.5±3.5 µg F/g of enamel prior to exposure to 148±76 after 90 days. Enamel exposed to sealant with 2 w/w% NaF, 2 w/w% Ca(NO3)2 and 1 w/w% K2HPO4 microcapsules went from 1.7±0.7 µg F/g of enamel prior to exposure to 190±137 after 90 days.

Clinical Significance: Sealants with encapsulated remineralizing agents were capable of releasing biologically available fluoride, calcium, and phosphate ions. Incorporation of these microcapsules in pit and fissure sealants is a promising method for remineralization determined by enamel fluoride uptake measurements.