Development of remineralization treatment for root caries using UVA-activated riboflavin to promote collagen crosslinking

2020 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K21379
• Project/Area Number (Other): 18H06291 (2018)
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund (2019); Single-year Grants (2018)
• Review Section: 0907:Oral science and related fields
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: Uemura Reo 大阪大学, 歯学部附属病院, 医員 (10823560)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-08-24 – 2021-03-31
• Keywords: 象牙質 / 根面う蝕 / 再石灰化 / 光増感剤

Outline of Final Research Achievements

To assume active root caries, the dentin specimens were obtained from human third molars. Specimens were coated with acid resistant varnish leaving an exposed dentin area. The specimens were immersed in demineralizing solution (acetic acid, pH 5.0) for 3 days, and a demineralized lesion model that mimics dentin root caries was successfully created. We used UVA-activated riboflavin method on the specimens, and immersed it in a remineralized solution at pH7.0. Precipitation of mineralization was detected on a scanning electron microscope image to clarify the difference in the opening degree of the dentin tubules, and for elemental analysis of the precipitated calcified material, it was confirmed that mineralized tissues were containing calcium phosphate as a main component precipitated in the dentin tubules. It suggested that this method promotes remineralization of dentin.

Free Research Field

象牙質う蝕の再石灰化

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

高齢者の保有歯数の増加に伴い急増している根面う蝕は、広範囲に拡大しやすいため修復操作が困難である。そのため、これからの超高齢社会において、「削って詰める」従来のう蝕治療から、「削らない」う蝕治療へのパラダイムシフトが必須であり、活動製う蝕の再石灰化に重点を置く非切削の治療は極めて重要であると考えられ、溶液にひたし、光照射をして歯質の再石灰化を促す本手法を用いることは画期的な新規手法であると考えられる。