Introduction:

Abridged experimental methods are required to simulate early demineralizing lesions in a controlled and reproducible way.

Objective:

Perform an in vitro evaluation of a simple method of incipient enamel demineralization.

Methods:

Randomized experimental study with a double factorial replication design. Twelve third molars from healthy human subjects were selected for demineralization in a racemic lactic acid solution. Samples were then distributed randomly: Group 1 (G1) (n= 6) lactic acid at pH 2.4 and Group 2 (G2) (n= 6) lactic acid at pH 5.4. Each group was then subdivided (n = 2) to evaluate the effect of the solutions at three exposure times (7, 15 and 30 days) at 37°C. The evaluation used stereomicroscopes, a digital x-rays apparatus with software for the digital analysis of images, and polarization microscopy. An integration of the response indices was formulated and ANOVA was performed.

Results:

Visual, radiographic and histological findings showed that G1 at time 1 through 3 displayed demineralization characterized by extensive loss (80 % to 100 %) of enamel integrity. Visually, G2 at 7 days exhibited opacity and loss of brightness (16 %), with preservation of the surface structure of the enamel.

Conclusions:

It was shown that employing lactic acid for 7 days at pH 5.4 develops a clinical, radiographic and histological injury similar to an early enamel lesion.

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