New development of root caries remineralization method by collagen crosslinking using UVA-activated riboflavin.

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K18533
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 57030:Conservative dentistry-related
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: UEMURA Reo 大阪大学, 医学部附属病院, 特任助教 (10823560)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 象牙質 / 根面う蝕 / 再石灰化

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Assuming root caries encountered in the clinic, root dentin of human molars was cut out and immersed in demineralized solution to create a model of early root surface caries. In UVA-activated riboflavin cross-linking treatment, the riboflavin solution is mixed with various fluoride solutions before treatment, and then the specimens are immersed in remineralizing solution to promote remineralization of caries.
As a result, calcified deposits were observed on the demineralized surfaces in scanning electron microscope images, and elemental analysis confirmed the deposition of substances consisting mainly of calcium phosphate. In the mineral density analysis, remineralization was promoted compared to the non-treated group, but there was no clear difference between the materials, and further study is needed to determine the optimal material and concentration.

Free Research Field

象牙質の再石灰化

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

近年の超高齢社会において、高齢者が保有する歯数の増加に伴い、歯の根元の虫歯（根面う蝕）が急増している。この根面う蝕は広範囲に広がりやすく、歯茎に埋もれる位置に拡大しやすいため、う蝕を除去したのちに形態を修復する操作が困難になりやすい。
そのため、これまでに行われてきた「削って詰める」という従来のう蝕治療方法から、「削らない」う蝕治療方法へ移行していくことが、さらなる保有歯数の増加への新たなきっかけとなり、既に進行した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。処理溶液に浸した後に光を当てることで歯の再石灰化を促す本手法を用いることは、画期的であると考えられる。