title: Combined effects of acidulated phosphate fluoride and argon laser on sound root surface morphology: an in vitro scanning electron microscopy study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this in vitro scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study was to evaluate the effects of combining low fluence argon laser (AL) irradiation and acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) treatment on the surface morphology of sound human root surfaces.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Previous in vitro investigations have shown that combined APF and AL irradiation of root surfaces provided a protective effect against cariogenic challenges.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve extracted human molars were sectioned into quarters, and each quarter assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups: (1) no treatment/control; (2) low fluence (11.5 J/cm2) AL irradiation; (3) 1.23% APF for 4 minutes; (4) APF treatment followed by low fluence AL irradiation. Surface morphology alterations were compared among groups using SEM techniques.
  
  
  RESULTS
  AL irradiation alone produced irregular textured surfaces with adherent globular material and fine microporsities in the background. APF treatment, alternatively, only created relatively smooth surface coatings that masked the original underlying root surface. Combining APF treatment followed by AL irradiation resulted in a surface coating composed of relatively small (2 to 3 microns) spherical to avoid precipitates, morphologically resembling calcium fluoride.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Combining APF with AL irradiation may create a more reactive surface that possesses fluoride-rich mineral deposits and protects the underlying root surface from cariogenic challenges.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community and Preventive Dentistry, Creighton University, School of Dentistry, Omaha, Nebraska, USA. ghwester@creighton.edu
authors.forename: G H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Westerman
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Hicks
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Flaitz
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Blankenau
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Powell
mesh_terms: D000149:Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000367:Age Factors; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008963:Molar / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D017213:Root Caries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014089:Tooth Remineralization / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D000149:Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride