Nd:YAG laser in occlusal caries prevention of primary teeth: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Dental caries is still the most prevalent chronic disease affecting human populations. Among the preventive treatments performed, it has been reported that laser irradiation combined with topical fluoride can induce an even greater increase in enamel caries resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Nd:YAG laser, with or without fluoride, in occlusal caries prevention of the primary dentition. A double-blind split-mouth study design was used. Fifty-two children with high caries risk (7.6 ± 1.4 years) were selected and received the following: G1--the first molar was a negative control, and the second received a resin sealant; G2--the first molar was a negative control, and the second received laser irradiation (50 mJ, 10 Hz, 0.5 W); G3--the first molar received only acidulate phosphate fluoride (APF), and the second received APF + laser; G4--fisrt molar received only fluoride varnish, and the second received fluoride varnish + laser. Patients were followed up to 12 months to evaluate the presence of white-spot lesions and/or caries cavities by three calibrated observers. Thirty-five patients completed the study. Significant differences were found between the treatment and control groups (p < 0.05). The laser-alone and resin sealant resulted in statistically lower caries formation than the negative control group (p < 0.05). Nd:YAG laser irradiation in primary teeth effectively prevented occlusal caries in pits and fissures when used alone with lower energy over a 1-year period.

Effect of sodium fluoride and stannous chloride associated with Nd:YAG laser irradiation on the progression of enamel erosion

“…To corroborate to this fact, the profilometric analysis performed after treatments showed that there were no surface loss after laser irradiation. Nonetheless, Nd:YAG laser irradiation alone, with Many studies have shown beneficial effects of the Nd:YAG laser irradiation against enamel demineralization [29][30][31], but these findings are mostly related to dental caries. Considering the more aggressive nature of the acid challenges associated to the erosion process, we may suppose that the laser-modified surface, created by the Nd:YAG laser on the parameters used in this study, may have been rapidly removed, offering no long-term protection.…”

Effect of Er:YAG laser irradiation on deciduous enamel roughness and bacterial adhesion: An in vitro study

“…The use of lasers in preventive dentistry seems to be effective in children caries prevention. Raucci‐Neto et al () reported a lower incidence of caries in children with high caries‐risk over a period of 1 year when the laser treatment was applied on occlusal surfaces. Furthermore, Er:YAG laser treatment has a caries‐preventive effect on primary teeth through reduction of carbonate and modification of organic matter (Liu & Hsu, ).…”

In Vitro Comparison Of Fluoride Gel Alone and in Combination With Er,Cr:YSGG Laser on Reducing White Spot Lesions in Primary Teeth

“…Laser re-crystalizes and fuses the enamel prisms and by changing the organic structure of enamel, decreases its acid solubility and confers caries resistance to tooth structure. [27][28][29] However, since the application of laser requires costly equipment, 7 the possibility of laser enhancing the preventive effect of fluoride must be carefully investigated considering the above-mentioned limitations of laser. The current in vitro, experimental study compared the reduction in surface area of 60 WSLs on the crowns of 20 extracted primary teeth in 3 groups of control, 1.23% APF gel and Er,Cr,YSGG laser in combination with 1.23% APF gel.…”