Use of Ytterbium Trifluoride in the Field of Microinvasive Dentistry—An In Vitro Preliminary Study

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was an attempt at determining the quantity of the degree of the addition of ytterbium trifluoride as a marker, aimed at facilitating the observation and assessment of the effectiveness of penetration into the decalcified enamel of human teeth of an experimental preparation with the characteristics of a dental infiltrant and a commercially available commercial preparation called Icon. Methods: The test material was 20 decalcified human teeth. The first half of the batch was soaked in Icon, the second half in an experimental preparation with the characteristics of a dental infiltrant and with a component responsible for bacteriostaticity. Ytterbium trifluoride was added to both preparations to facilitate the microscopic observations: 20 mg/1 g in the first phase of the experiment, 60 mg/1 g in the second phase. Results: YbF3 particles could not be found in the teeth from the first phase of the experiment. Particles rich in ytterbium could be found only in the teeth from the second phase of the experiment, with three times the content of ytterbium. Conclusion: The addition of 6% ytterbium trifluoride (both commercial and laboratory synthesized) facilitates microscopic observation, allowing the conclusion that both Icon and the experimental preparation with the characteristics of a dental infiltrant penetrate the decalcified enamel of a human tooth. The SEM analysis of the preparations in terms of content and particle size of ytterbium trifluoride shows that the distribution is heterogeneous. Large size particles predominate, yet particles with a diameter of less than 1 µm were also found. This may confirm the fact that most of them have probably agglomerated. The method of scattering YbF3 nanoparticles in the infiltrant resin requires further work so that they do not appear as agglomerates.