title: Surface and mineral changes of enamel with different remineralizing agents in conjunction with carbon-dioxide laser.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface/mineral changes on enamel before and after the application of acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel, fluoride enhanced hydroxyapatite gel and propolis in conjunction with carbon-dioxide (CO2) laser.
  
  
  METHODS
  Crowns of 40 human maxillary central incisors were collected and were divided into four groups of 10 each: Topical fluoride application only, topical fluoride application followed by CO2 laser irradiation, CO2 laser irradiation followed by topical fluoride application and CO2 laser irradiation before and after topical fluoride application. The 10 crowns in each group was again sectioned into four equal parts of mesio-incisal, disto-incisal, mesio-cervical and disto-cervical sections rendering 40 samples in each group. Each group was again subdivided into four subgroups: Subgroup C - untreated enamel surface (control). Subgroup A - APF gel application, subgroup R - fluoride enhanced hydroxyapatite gel application and subgroup P - propolis application. The surface morphology of the test samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and mineral changes by energy dispersion X-ray spectrophotometer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Total mineral content is maximum in Group 4A (CO2 laser irradiation before and after APF gel application) and calcium/phosphate ratio is highest in Group 4R (CO2 laser irradiation before and after Remin-Pro application). Group 2A (APF gel application followed by CO2 laser irradiation) has the maximum fluoride retention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laser irradiation of enamel through a topically applied APF gel is effective in the prophylaxis and management of dental caries.
authors: Director, Dental and Medical Centre, Cochin, Kerala, India.
authors: Ajit George
authors: AG
authors: Mohan
authors: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, SRM Dental College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors: A V Rajesh
authors: AVR
authors: Ebenezar
authors: Private Practitioner and Consultant Endodontist, Tanjore, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors: Mohamed Fayas
authors: MF
authors: Ghani
authors: Private Practitioner and Consultant Endodontist, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors: Leena
authors: L
authors: Martina
authors: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, SRM Dental College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors: Ashwin
authors: A
authors: Narayanan
authors: Departments of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Annoor Dental College, Kerala, India.
authors: Bejoy
authors: B
authors: Mony
keywords: Acidulated phosphate fluoride gel; carbon-dioxide laser; fluoridated hydroxyapatite gel; propolis; total mineral content