Surface and mineral changes of enamel with different remineralizing agents in conjunction with carbon-dioxide laser

Aim:

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.

Materials and 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.

Conclusion:

Laser irradiation of enamel through a topically applied APF gel is effective in the prophylaxis and management of dental caries.