title: The effect of laser-activated Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride on enamel submitted to erosive solution only: an in vitro preliminary evaluation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the potential effect of laser therapy on the prevention of erosive demineralisation either alone or combined with acidulated phosphate fluoride gel on human enamel. It was hypothesized that such a treatment would decrease enamel solubility.
  
  
  METHODS
  Efficacy of 2940 nm Er:YAG laser with preset parameters--alone or combined with APF (Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride) gel--was tested on freshly extracted human permanent molars.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten sound human third molars were sectioned into 5 surfaces (2 x 3 mm) with hard tissue microtome and were randomly allocated into different treatment groups as follows. The Vicker's hardness of each surface was obtained at the baseline. Group 1, negative control group: no treatment. Group 2, positive control group: only 1.23% APF gel (Denti-Care gel, Medicom) 1 minute application. Group 3: irradiated with surface modification mode (2940 nm, 1.2j/cm², 10 Hz, 300 μm) Er:YAG laser. Group 4: Er:YAG laser application following 1.23% APF gel. Group 5: 1.23% APF gel following Er:YAG laser application. The demineralisation process was obtained by immersion of specimens in a soft drink for 10 minutes and then the Vickers hardness was reevaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  For statistical analyses within groups the Kruskal Wallis test was used, while for comparing groups the paired sample t test (significance p<0.05) was used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The difference in microhardness values of each group obtained following the treatments was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Beside, no statistical difference was found in Vickers value related to the application of fluoride prior or after laser therapy. Conclusion Er:YAG laser irradiation alone or combined with APF decreased the enamel solubility but combined treatment did not show any significant additional effect.
authors: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Marmara, Istanbul, Turkey. altinokbasak@yahoo.com
authors: B
authors: B
authors: Altinok
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Tanboga
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Peker
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Eren
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Bakkal
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Peker
mesh_terms: D000149:Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects; D006244:Hardness; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State; D008964:Molar, Third; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000517:prevention & control; D014077:Tooth Erosion / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D000149:Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride