Comparison of natural and artificial root caries lesions using microcomputed tomography and microhardness test.

Natural and artificial lesion mean mineral densities were not statistically different (P > 0.05). Mineral density from the surface to 75 μm was greater in natural lesions and from 150 to 225 μm was greater in artificial lesions (P < 0.05). Microhardness values were statistically higher in artificial lesions (P < 0.05); no difference was found among artificial lesions produced by the two solutions (P > 0.05). Mineral density and microhardness of natural and artificial root caries are different from each other. A greater mineralized surface layer existed on natural lesions.