title: Erbium Lasers for the Prevention of Enamel and Dentin Demineralization: A Literature Review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this article is to review the current literature concerning Erbium lasers: Er:YAG (λ=2.94μm), Er:YSGG (λ=2.79μm), and Er,Cr:YSGG (λ=2.78μm) for the prevention of enamel and dentin demineralization.
  
  
  METHODS
  Features such as laser parameters, reported outcome, inhibition of demineralization, and mechanisms of laser action were analyzed. A total of 55 publications were found in four electronic databases and were complemented by hand searching.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Evidence regarding the potential of laser-induced prevention of demineralization (LIPD) was demonstrated in the literature, especially when subablative parameters were applied. Although ablation parameters have shown partial positive results in LIPD, some studies have shown severe morphological alterations in enamel and dentin. Until now, there are still no reports on the long-term effects of laser treatment. Additionally, it is unclear if there is a best combination of mechanisms that leads to the optimal LIPD. Other variables that are poorly investigated in the literature and have an important role in LIPD include pulse width, water irrigation, and air flow.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This review demonstrates the current knowledge concerning the use of erbium lasers in LIPD, and brings forth essential questions that should be further addressed.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Stomatology, School of Dentistry of the University of São Paulo (USP) Prof. São Paulo , SP, Brazil .
authors.forename: Karen Müller
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Ramalho
authors.affiliation: 2 Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore (NUS) , Singapore .
authors.forename: Chin-Ying Stephen
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Hsu
authors.affiliation: 3 Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry of the University of São Paulo (USP) , São Paulo, SP, Brazil .
authors.forename: Patrícia Moreira
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: de Freitas
authors.affiliation: 3 Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry of the University of São Paulo (USP) , São Paulo, SP, Brazil .
authors.forename: Ana Cecília Correa
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Aranha
authors.affiliation: 4 Department of Operative Dentistry, Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen, Germany .
authors.forename: Marcella
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Esteves-Oliveira
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Stomatology, School of Dentistry of the University of São Paulo (USP) Prof. São Paulo , SP, Brazil .
authors.forename: Rodney Garcia
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Rocha
authors.affiliation: 3 Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry of the University of São Paulo (USP) , São Paulo, SP, Brazil .
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: de Paula Eduardo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D003743:Dental Enamel; D003804:Dentin; D006801:Humans; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000517:prevention & control*