الفهرس 
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Abstract
This comparative in-vitro study aimed to assess the remineralizing effect of silver nanoparticles added to fluoridated pits and fissure sealant on initial enamel caries-like lesions in permanent teeth.
The study was performed on fourty four sound human premolars freshly extracted for orthodontic purposes. All teeth surfaces were coated with a double layer of acid resistant nail varnish except for the occlusal surface where sealant was placed. Artificial carious lesion was created through immersing the study sample in the demineralizing solution for 72 hours. Teeth were then randomly assigned into four groups (n= 11 per group) according to the type of sealant used; group I including teeth treated by silver nanoparticles added pit and fissure sealant, group II for teeth treated by fluoridated pit and fissure sealant (TEETHMATE™ F-1), group III for teeth treated by non-fluoridated PFS (Helioseal Clear), and group IV for untreated teeth stored in artificial saliva.
Following sealant application, all teeth were subjected to pH-cycling dynamic regimen for 10 consecutive days. The specimens were immersed for 6 hours in demineralizing solution, rinsed with de-ionized water, and then immersed for 18 hours in remineralizing solution. The crowns were then sectioned buccolingually through the middle of the occlusal surface to obtain mesial and distal halves and care was taken not to damage the filled sealant.
The specimens were evaluated both quantitatively by energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and qualitatively by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Data were tabulated and descriptive statistics were calculated with graphical presentation. Statistical