Long-term evaluation of the stability of dentin matrix following treatments with aqueous solutions of titanium tetrafluoride at different concentrations.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of aqueous solutions of different concentrations of titanium tetrafluoride (TiF) on dentin matrix stability up to six months.

Design: Dentin specimens prepared from fifteen nonerupted molars were demineralized and randomly distributed into groups: 2.5% TiF, 4% TiF 1000 ppm NaF, and control (distilled water). The modulus of elasticity (ME) and dry masses of the dentin matrix were determined at baseline, and up to 6 months following treatment. Collagen solubilization was estimated by hydroxyproline (HYP) quantification in the simulated body fluid used to store the dentin specimens.

Results: The 2.5% TiF group presented higher ME immediately after treatment, and at 3 and 6 months storage, whereas 4% TiF showed higher means at 3 and 6 months (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed among the groups over time (p = 0.9325). However, the 2.5% TiF group showed significantly higher ME than the control group, immediately after treatment. All the groups presented significantly higher mass change immediately, compared with 3 and 6 months (p < 0.0001). Except for the 4% TiF group, HYP release was higher in the first quarter (p = 0.0152), when no significant differences were found among the groups. In the second quarter, the means were significantly higher in the 2.5% TiF and 4% TiF groups. The group treated with 2.5% TiF had a statistically higher HYP release than the control group.

Conclusion: An aqueous solution of 2.5% TiF increases the immediate stiffness values, but does not stabilize the collagenous dentin matrix.