Carbon dioxide laser in dental caries prevention.
OBJECTIVE
To describe CO2 laser characteristics and to review the literature regarding its effects on caries inhibition in enamel and dentin. Another aim of this review is to discuss the effects of CO2 laser in combination with fluoride.


METHODS
The literature was searched for review and original research papers relating CO2 laser characteristics, CO2 laser effects on enamel and dentin, use of CO2 laser in dental caries prevention and the effects of CO2 laser in combination with fluoride. The articles have been selected using Medline and manual tracing of references cited in key papers otherwise not elicited.


METHODS
Dental studies pertinent to key aspects of review, and those that focus on CO2 laser.


CONCLUSIONS
Irradiation of dental enamel by specific wavelengths and fluencies of CO2 laser alters the hydroxyapatite crystals reducing the acid reactivity of the mineral; CO2 laser irradiation in combination with fluoride treatment is more effective in inhibiting caries-like lesions than CO2 laser irradiation or fluoride alone; When laser and fluoride are combined, it is possible to reduce laser energy density and fluoride levels; If this laser technology becomes available at a reasonable cost and the results can be applied in clinical practice, there will be a promising future for this laser in caries prevention.
Faculty of Dentistry, Federal University of Ceará, Rua. Monsenhor Furtado S/N, Fortaleza, Ce 60430370, Brazil. lidianykarla@yahoo.com
Lidiany Karla Azevedo
LK
Rodrigues
Marinês
M
Nobre dos Santos
Daniel
D
Pereira
Andréa Videira
AV
Assaf
Vanessa
V
Pardi
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000528:radiation effects; D003804:Dentin / Q000528:radiation effects; D005459:Fluorides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D005459:Fluorides