title: In vivo caries-like lesion prevention with argon laser: pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This clinical pilot study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of argon laser irradiation to reduce demineralization or loss of tooth structure in vivo.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  In vitro research previously demonstrated the ability of argon laser irradiation to reduce demineralization or loss of tooth structure.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using the Ogaard model of producing demineralization, the experimental teeth were irradiated with argon laser of 250 mW (producing approximately 12 J/cm2) prior to banding. Polarized light evaluation of the sectioned, extracted teeth was used to determine the amount of demineralization.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results showed a 29.1% reduction in demineralization in the experimental teeth as compared to the bilateral control teeth.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Low-power argon laser irradiation significantly reduced demineralization clinically.
authors.affiliation: Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Blankenau
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Powell
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Ellis
authors.forename: G H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Westerman
mesh_terms: D001641:Bicuspid / Q000528:radiation effects; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000532:radiotherapy*