Pattern of Hydroxyapatite Crystal Growth on Bleached Enamel Following the Application of Two Antioxidants: An Atomic Force Microscope Study.

Objectives: This study observed the topographical pattern of hydroxyapatite deposition and growth (D&G) on bleached enamel following application of two antioxidants (sodium ascorbate and catalase) using atomic force microscope. Study design: Twenty enamel specimens (4x3x2mm), prepared from extracted impacted third molars, were mounted in self-cure acrylic and randomly grouped as: Group I-untreated; Group II- 35%H2O2; Group III- 35%H2O2 + artificial saliva; Group IV- 35%H2O2 + catalase+ artificial saliva; Group V- 35%H2O2 + sodium ascorbate+ artificial saliva. Groups I and II were observed immediately after treatment. Groups III-V were observed after 72 hrs. Roughness average was also calculated and analyzed with non-parametric Kruskall-Wallis ANOVA and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: H2O2 dissolved matrix, exposed hydroxyapatite crystals (HACs), causing dissolution on the sides of and within HACs and opening up of nano-spaces. Artificial saliva showed growth of dissoluted crystals. Antioxidants+saliva showed potentiated remineralization by D&G on dissoluted HACs of bleached enamel. Catalase potentiated block-shaped, while sodium ascorbate the needle-shaped crystals with stair-pattern of crystallization. Evidence of oxygen bubbles was a new finding with catalase. Maximum roughness average was in group V followed by group II > group IV > group III > group I. Conclusion: Post-bleaching application of catalase and sodium ascorbate potentiated remineralization by saliva, but in different patterns. None of the tested antioxidant could return the original topography of enamel.