functionalised tri-calcium phosphate

Functionalised tri-calcium phosphate (fTCP) is a dental remineralising agent developed by 3M. It is produced by milling tri-calcium phosphate with fumaric acid, which creates a protective organic coating around the calcium. This functionalisation prevents the calcium from interacting prematurely with fluoride ions while in the storage container, ensuring both remain available for therapeutic action upon application. When applied to the teeth, the barrier breaks down in the presence of saliva, releasing calcium and phosphate ions that work synergistically with fluoride to form acid-resistant fluorapatite. This process remineralises enamel and dentine and occludes open dentine tubules, which helps to relieve dentine hypersensitivity and prevent dental caries.

Brand names

Clinpro Tooth CrèmeClinpro 5000Clinpro5000Clinpro-5000

Other names

fumaric acid-modified tri-calcium phosphateorganic-calcium phosphate hybrid