Acquired acid resistance of enamel and dentin by CO2 laser irradiation with sodium fluoride solution.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the caries-preventive effect of CO2 laser irradiation with or without sodium fluoride (NaF) solution at human dental enamel and dentin in vitro.


BACKGROUND
The capability of caries prevention with CO2 laser irradiation has been reported in many previous studies, but few studies have been performed with regard to the combined effect of fluoride and laser.


METHODS
Forty extracted human incisor teeth were used for the enamel study, and 40 molar teeth were used for the dentin study. Samples were then divided into four categories: control (no treatment); CO2 laser irradiation only; NaF treatment only; and NaF treatment followed by CO2 laser irradiation. Each sample was immersed in 2 mL of lactic acid (0.1 M, pH 4.8) solution for 24 h at 37 degrees C in 100% humidity. The parts per million (ppm) of calcium ion (Ca2+) dissolved in each solution was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The samples were also observed by stereoscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).


RESULTS
The lowest mean Ca2+ ppm was recorded at the enamel or dentin samples treated with NaF and laser. Statistical analysis of the data was considered significant (p < 0.01). SEM observation showed that surfaces were changed to melted, smooth, and mirror-like appearances when CO2 laser irradiation was applied with NaF solution.


CONCLUSIONS
It can be concluded that CO2 laser irradiation with NaF solution has more caries-preventive effect than CO2 laser irradiation only at the enamel and dentin surfaces.
Hossain
M M Iqbal
MM
Department of Endodontics, Showa University School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan.
Hossain
Mozammal
M
Kimura
Yuichi
Y
Kinoshita
Jun-Ichiro
J
Yamada
Yoshishige
Y
Matsumoto
Koukichi
K
D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000528:radiation effects*; D003804:Dentin / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013054:Spectrophotometry, Atomic
D012969:Sodium Fluoride