The surface protective effectiveness of Fuji VII on dental enamel

Objective: The objective was to investigate the effectiveness of Fuji VII as a surface protective agent on newly erupting teeth both in terms of preventing demineralization while still permitting remineralization. Methods: Twenty five intact molars were used in three separate experiments. Initially 15 molars were sectioned and each half painted with varnish leaving exposed windows. One half was painted with Fuji VII and the other half left uncoated. All sections were immersed in demineralizing solution at 37oC for 14, 28 and 42 days. The depths of any demineralized lesions were determined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). For the next two experiments, the remaining molars were sectioned to provide four equal sized specimens with pregenerated artificial carious lesions. In the second experiment two of each four specimens had Fuji VII coated and all were placed for 35 days in remineralizing solution. The sections were analyzed using Electron Probe Micro-Analysis (EPMA) to determine the uptake of selected remineralizing ions into the demineralized enamel. In the third experiment, three specimens with pregenerated artificial carious lesions were used and all coated with Fuji VII, one placed in DDW, one exposed to acidic challenge and the third remineralized for 35 days before subjected to acidic challenge. Sections were prepared for EPMA to look for any evidence of further demineralization compared with controls. Results: (i) No carious lesion was formed on intact enamel sealed with Fuji VII. (ii) Remineralization of incipient carious lesions was observed in one of three specimens only. (iii) No further mineral loss was observed following repeat acidic challenge under Fuji VII with or without remineralization. Conclusion: A coating of Fuji VII can prevent caries formation on intact enamel and further caries progression in remineralized incipient lesions. Minor remineralization of incipient lesions is possible though not consistent under Fuji VII.