Effect of the CO2 laser combined with fluoridated products on the inhibition of enamel demineralization.
OBJECTIVE
This in vitro study evaluated the combined effects of a 10.6 microm CO2 laser, fluoridated dentifrice, and mouthrinse on the reduction of lesion progression in carious human enamel.


METHODS
Slabs of previously demineralized dental enamel were assigned to nine groups, either treated with/without a CO2 laser, with/without fluoridated dentifrice, and with/without fluoridated mouthrinse. After a pH-cycling regime, fluoride concentrations were determined in the demin- and remineralizing solutions. A qualitative polarized light analysis was performed on enamel, and enamel mineral loss was determined by cross-sectional microhardness testing.


RESULTS
All treatments were able to decrease mineral loss, and the inhibition of demineralization progression ranged from 48% to 60%.


CONCLUSIONS
The 10.6 microm CO2 laser irradiation alone or combined with fluoridated products reduced demineralization progression in enamel. However, there was no significant additional demineralization inhibitory effect with the use of the combined laser-fluoride treatments.


CONCLUSIONS
CO2 lasers have proven to be efficient in reducing subsurface enamel demineralization. Its association with a high frequent fluoride therapy may enhance this protective effect.
Steiner-Oliveira
C
C
Piracicaba School of Dentistry at the State University of Campinas in Piracicaba, SP, Brazil.
Rodrigues
L K A
LK
Lima
E B
EB
Nobre-dos-Santos
M
M
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000378:metabolism*; D003802:Dentifrices / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005459:Fluorides / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D006245:Hardness Tests; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D053685:Laser Therapy; D054020:Lasers, Gas / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008964:Molar, Third; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000628:therapy*; D014089:Tooth Remineralization / Q000379:methods*
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D003802:Dentifrices; D009067:Mouthwashes; D005459:Fluorides