| dc.description | This study evaluated the influence of sub-ablative Er,Cr:YSGG
laser and topical fluoride application on incipient caries development
in vitro. One hundred and sixty human enamel slabs were
ramdomly divided into eight equal groups: (1) untreated (control);
(2???4) irradiated with Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75
W, respectively; (5) treated with acidulated phosphate fluoride
(APF; 1.23% F) for 4 min; (6???8) pre-irradiated with Er,Cr:YSGG
laser at 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 W, respectively and subjected to APF
application. All groups were submitted to pH-cycling simulating
a cariogenic challenge, and after 10 cycles mineral loss ( ?? Z) was
measured in enamel. Calcium, inorganic phosphorus (P i ) and fluoride
concentrations were also measured in the demineralizing and remineralizing pH-cycling solutions. Data were analyzed by
ANOVA ( ?? = 0.05). No differences in ?? Z were found between laser
irradiation at 0.25 W, 0.50 W and controls, while after laser
irradiation at 0.75 W (Group 4) and application of APF (Group 5)
there was a significant decrease in ?? Z. Laser irradiation at 0.50
and 0.75 W prior to APF application there was a significantly lower
?? Z than in other groups. A significant increase in Ca and P i
concentrations was observed in demineralizing solutions compared
to the initial concentrations, but no significant changes in
Ca and P i concentrations were detected between any groups. A
significant decrease in fluoride concentration was observed in
pH-cycling solutions of control and 0.25 W laser groups, while the
association of laser at 0.50 and 0.75 W with fluoride promoted an
increase of fluoride content in remineralizing solutions. In conclusion,
Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation at 0.50 and 0.75 W, associated
with fluoride, seems to be a good alternative for reducing
enamel demineralization. | |
