PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a topical application of Alendronate (a bisphosphonate used as therapy for bone disorders) on enamel surface. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Enamel samples from human third molars were prepared, cleaned with toothbrush under deionized water and then treated with a 10 mM Alendronate solution (pH 5.0 and 7.4) gently brushing for 10 minutes. Each sample was then submitted to a dissolution test in cariogenic solution (0.1 M lactic acid solution, pH 5) for 45 minutes. Three different cycles were performed. Calcium release from enamel was measured after each cycle using an ion-selective electrode Orion mod. 920A. RESULTS: Table reports the mean, standard deviation and Student t-test (significance p<0.05) of calcium (expressed as ppm) released from enamel fragments, treated with 10 mM Alendronate solution at pH 7.4, and from homologous controls fragments.
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|
120 sec |
500 sec |
1000 sec |
1500 sec |
2000 sec |
2500 sec |
2700 sec |
|
SAMPLES |
0,13 ± 0,18 |
1,15 ± 1,14 |
2,66 ± 2,53 |
4,31 ± 3,85 |
5,98 ± 5,17 |
7,66 ± 6,55 |
8,31 ± 7,08 |
|
CONTROLS |
0,35 ± 0,34 |
1,93 ± 1,82 |
4,27 ± 3,61 |
6,73 ± 5,41 |
9,11 ± 7,16 |
11,42 ± 8,55 |
12,29 ± 9,5 |
| Student-t test |
0.00017 |
0.00017 |
0.000028 |
0.000011 |
0.000010 |
0.000011 |
0.000011 |
CONCLUSIONS: The topical application of Alendronate is efficient to reduce calcium releasing after acid exposure. The data suggest a positive protective role of Alendronate in preventing enamel dissolution and in reducing caries formations.