The effect of gypsum extension on a mixture of carboxymethyl chitosan and amorphous calcium phosphate in dental remineralization

Introduction
Carboxymethyl chitosan/amorphous calcium phosphate (CMC/ACP) is a non-collagenous protein analog material with dentin remineralization ability, and gypsum is a mixing material that facilitates the clinical application. Gypsum is a natural material used to release the regenerative calcium ion and has a good biological response, with osteoconductive, resorbable, and compatible properties.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the addition of gypsum to the non-protein analog material CMC/ACP in dentin remineralization.

Material and methods
Tooth samples for this study were taken from patients with tooth impactions at the Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic. Twenty-seven cavities were divided into three groups: dentin demineralization without any material applied, application of dentin demineralization with CMC/ACP, and application of dentin demineralization with gypsum + CMC/ACP. The results were elucidated on Day 14, using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), analysis of variance (ANOVA) one-way statistic test, and Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results
Gypsum showed a positive effect on the ability of CMC/ACP in dentin remineralization. The edge of the dentin tubules appeared to be irregular and smaller, with some covered up. This shows remineralization occurrence after the bio-active material of the CMC/ACP and gypsum application.

Conclusions
The addition of gypsum to the CMC/ACP has a positive effect in dentin remineralization.