In vivo uptake and retention of fluoride after a brief application of TiF₄ to dentin

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the long-term retention of F and Ti in dentin after a brief application of 1% TiF₄. Six facets of exposed dentin in each of four beagle dogs were treated for 10 sec or 1 min with a 1% solution of TiF₄. Four control facets in a fifth dog were left untreated and extracted after 12 weeks. The TiF₄-treated teeth were harvested after 4,8, and 22 weeks and analyzed for F and Ti with an electron microprobe. The F concentrations in dentin surfaces of specimens retained in the mouth for 4, 8, and 22 weeks were after the 10-sec treatment 0.48% ± 0.24, 0.51% ± 0.20, and 0.56% ± 0.20, respectively, and after the 1-min treatment 0.64% ± 0.20, 0.66% ± 0.18, and 0.71% ± 0.19. High concentrations of Ti were found at the specimen surfaces in all groups. None of the control specimens showed F or Ti contents above the detection limits for the method used. The results showed that a very brief application of 1% TiF₄ deposited high concentrations of F and Ti which were retained for at least 22 weeks.

Key Words:

• Animal study
• electron microprobe analysis

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Knut A. Selvig

Joyce Laing works in the Department of Child and Family Psychiatry, Playfield House, Cupar, Fife, and is a Consultant Art Therapist to Psychiatric Hospitals and Prisons and Chairwoman of the Scottish Society of Art and Psychology.