Root surface reactions to TiF4 and SnF2 solutions in vitro. An ultrastructural study.

Previous studies have indicated that TiF4 and SnF2 differ in their demineralizing effect when applied topically to root surfaces at the same acidity. The aim of this study was to examine in more detail the outermost layer of root surface specimens by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) after short-term exposure to these acidic fluoride solutions. Root surface specimens were exposed for 1 min and 4 min to equimolar (1.1 M F) solutions of a) TiF4, native pH 1.0; b) SnF2, acidified to pH 1.0; and c) SnF2, native pH 2.5. The specimens were then rinsed in saline and processed for TEM. Exposure to TiF4 resulted in a partly demineralized zone 8-10 microns deep after 1 min and 5-27 microns deep after 4 min of application. A 0.1-micron-thick, electron-dense coating was present in all TiF4-treated specimens. Acidified SnF2 resulted in a completely demineralized zone, 4-7 microns deep, when applied for 1 min and 4 min, whereas SnF2 at native pH produced a 0.5- to 1.0-micron-wide partially demineralized zone. Unevenly distributed crystalline deposits were a frequent finding on SnF2-treated surfaces. The results indicate that solutions of TiF4 and SnF2 at native pH will cause only slight demineralization when applied topically to root surfaces.