The effect of fluoride has been shown to be beneficial on enamel and root surfaces when incorporated into a remineralizing solution. Once a root lesion is remineralized however, it is important to know if the tissue is less soluble, equally soluble, or more soluble than the starting lesion. Objectives: This study evaluates remineralization at 1, 5 and 10 ppm F of root surface lesions, and subsequent demineralization at pH 4.0. Methods: Root lesions were formed in a demin solution containing 2 ppm F at a pH of 4.0. The lesions were placed into a remin solution with 1, 5, or 10 ppm F. The remineralized lesions were then exposed to a further acid attack at pH 4.0. Control lesions were not placed into the remin solution, but exposed to the additional acid attack at pH 4.0. The lesion depth and mineral content were recorded qualitatively using polarized light microscopy and quantitatively with microradiography. Results: After remineralization, results showed an increase in mineral of 12%, 16%, and 18 % respectively in the 1, 5, and 10 ppm F groups. Little change in lesion depth occurred among the 3 groups. After further demineralization, the control lesions progressed 112% (4489 Vol%·µm). When compared to the control, the 1 ppm F group progressed 52% (2343 Vol%·µm), the 5 ppm F group progressed 39% (1745 Vol%·µm), and the 10 ppm F group progressed 27%(1219%Vol%·µm). All 3 groups were statistically different (p<0.05) from the control group and between the 1 ppm F group and the 10 ppm F group. Lesion depths were also significantly different from the control. Conclusions: Remineralization helps to slow down root surface lesion progression. Supported by NIH grant DE11134-05.

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