The effect of laser-activated Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride on enamel submitted to erosive solution only: an in vitro preliminary evaluation

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ABSTRACT

Aim

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. Study Design: Efficacy of 2940nm 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/cm, 10Hz, 300m) 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 revaluated. Statistics: For
statistical analyses within groups the Kruskal Wallis test was used, while for comparing groups the paired sample t test
(significancy 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.

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