Potential mechanism for the laser-fluoride effect on enamel demineralization

J Dent Res. 2013 Jan;92(1):71-5. doi: 10.1177/0022034512466412. Epub 2012 Oct 31.

Abstract

Laser-induced prevention of dental caries has been studied extensively. However, the cariostatic mechanisms of a combined fluoride-laser treatment are not well-understood. Using micro- computed tomography (micro-CT), we quantified the effect of fluoride and/or Er:YAG laser treatment on enamel demineralization. The mean mineral loss (%/V) for each group was 4,870 ± 1,434 (fluoride followed by laser treatment), 6,341 ± 2,204 (laser treatment), 7,669 ± 2,255 (fluoride treatment), and 10,779 ± 2,936 (control). The preventive effect of the laser (p < 0.001) and fluoride (p = 0.010) treatment was statistically significant. Characterized by micro-x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, the significant contraction in the a-axis after both laser and combined laser/fluoride treatment was revealed (both p < 0.05). In conclusion, subablative low-energy Er:YAG laser irradiation following fluoride treatment may instantaneously transform enamel hydroxyapatite into fluoridated hydroxyapatite to reduce enamel solubility as a preventive treatment for enamel demineralization.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apatites / chemistry
  • Apatites / radiation effects
  • Cariostatic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Crystallography
  • Dental Enamel / drug effects
  • Dental Enamel / radiation effects*
  • Dental Enamel Solubility / drug effects
  • Dental Enamel Solubility / radiation effects
  • Durapatite / chemistry
  • Durapatite / radiation effects
  • Fluorides / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Lasers, Solid-State / therapeutic use*
  • Low-Level Light Therapy / methods*
  • Minerals / chemistry
  • Minerals / radiation effects
  • Tooth Demineralization / prevention & control*
  • Tooth Remineralization
  • X-Ray Diffraction
  • X-Ray Microtomography / methods

Substances

  • Apatites
  • Cariostatic Agents
  • Minerals
  • Durapatite
  • fluorapatite
  • Fluorides