Surface and mineral changes of enamel with different remineralizing agents in conjunction with carbon-dioxide laser

Abstract

Aim:The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface/mineral changes on enamel before and after the application of acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel, fluoride enhanced hydroxyapatite gel and propolis in conjunction with carbon-dioxide (CO2) laser.Materials and Methods:Crowns of 40 human maxillary central incisors were collected and were divided into four groups of 10 each: Topical fluoride application only, topical fluoride application followed by CO2 laser irradiation, CO2 laser irradiation followed by topical fluoride application and CO2 laser irradiation before and after topical fluoride application. The 10 crowns in each group was again sectioned into four equal parts of mesio-incisal, disto-incisal, mesio-cervical and disto-cervical sections rendering 40 samples in each group. Each group was again subdivided into four subgroups: Subgroup C - untreated enamel surface (control). Subgroup A - APF gel application, subgroup R - fluoride enhanced hydroxyapatite gel application and subgroup P - propolis application. The surface morphology of the test samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and mineral changes by energy dispersion X-ray spectrophotometer.Results:Total mineral content is maximum in Group 4A (CO2 laser irradiation before and after APF gel application) and calcium/phosphate ratio is highest in Group 4R (CO2 laser irradiation before and after Remin-Pro application). Group 2A (APF gel application followed by CO2 laser irradiation) has the maximum fluoride retention.Conclusion:Laser irradiation of enamel through a topically applied APF gel is effective in the prophylaxis and management of dental caries.

The Impact of CO2 Laser Treatment and Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride on Enamel Demineralization and Biofilm Formation

“…If fluoride is present in the irradiated surface, the critical-pH point is further reduced to 4.3, hampering the formation or progression of caries when both treatments are combined. 6 In this study, CO 2 laser irradiation on enamel did not cause a significant decrease in bacterial numbers, which is in agreement with other studies. 2,23 Further studies using multi-species biofilm designs or in situ protocols should be performed to confirm our results.…”

“…1 The preventive and therapeutic potential of the CO 2 laser for the inhibition of caries on enamel has been discussed. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] However, the parameters for its most effective use are still under debate.…”

Effect of Three Different Remineralizing Agents on White Spot Lesions; AnIn Vitro Comparative Study

“…Different methods have been used to assess the degree of remineralization; for instance, Sudjalim et al [1] used quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) to assess the fluorescence change (∆F) between baseline and after treatments. Mohan et al [12] been used to compare the aesthetic change of white spot lesions which treated with 3 different products [2]. Another method which has been employed for assessment of the mineral content of samples is DIAGNOdent [4].…”

Application of Laser Irradiation for Restorative Treatments

“…stated that CO 2 laser was capable to eliminate the enamel caries progression [21]. Also, it is reported that Pulsed CO 2 laser irradiation caused enamel surface fusion and inhibition of the subsurface caries-like lesions with 50% success rate [22]. Moreover, increased micro-hardness of enamel surface was detected by several studies after laser application [7, 23].…”

“…Some studies experienced “laser etching effect” by irradiating laser to prepare sufficient surface roughness and permitting mechanical interlocking with adhesive resins [22, 45]. However, for two or three step etch-and-rinse adhesives, phosphoric acid etching has been suggested prior to the application of mentioned adhesive systems to enhance higher bond strength [46].…”