Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy evaluation of demineralized human enamel after titanium tetrafluoride application.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the presence of a titanium dioxide layer after application of titanium tetrafluoride on human permanent tooth enamel. STUDY DESIGN: The sample consisted of unerupted third molars. After the removal of the roots, each tooth was mesiodistally divided into 2 fragments, one reserved for the experimental group and the other for the control group. Before the treatments the fragments were artificially demineralized. The experimental group (n=5) received an application of 4% titanium tetrafluoride, for one minute and the control group (n=5) did not receive any treatment. The samples were sputter-coated with a 20-30nm gold layer as the energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer analysis was carried out in a scanning electron microscope and the results were descriptively analyzed. RESULTS: The titanium dioxide layer was present on all experimental samples with a titanium peak varying between 6.82 and 26.37%. This layer was not found in the control group. Fluoride and calcium fluoride precipitates were present in the samples treated with titanium tetrafluoride. CONCLUSION: Titanium dioxide layer was formed after one titanium tetrafluoride application, but it was not uniform. Further studies should be carried out so that both the morphology and thickness of such layers can be better understood.