Abstract
The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the literatures on the effect of treatment combining 9300 nm carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers and fluoride on prevention of enamel caries. A literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The keywords were ((9300 nm) OR (9.3 µm) OR (carbon dioxide laser) OR (carbon dioxide lasers) OR (CO2 laser) OR (CO2 lasers)) AND ((fluoride) OR (fluorides)) AND ((dental caries) OR (caries) OR (remineralization) OR (remineralization) OR (demineralization) OR (demineralization)). Meta-analysis was performed to compare the change in mineral content by laser irradiation and fluoride treatment (F + L) with that of fluoride treatment (F) and laser treatment (L). The search identified 946 potential publications and five laboratory studies using a chemical model for cariogenic challenge and determining mineral loss of the enamel were included in this review. Meta-analysis comparing F + L with L on enamel showed a standard mean difference of −1.58 (CI: −2.13, −1.03). Meta-analysis comparing F + L with F on enamel showed a standard mean difference of −1.84 (CI: −2.30, −1.39), with low heterogeneity (I2 = 49%, p = 0.04). In conclusion, F + L was better than L and F in preventing enamel demineralization.
Highlights
Dental caries are a major global health problem [1]
Focused Question Does enamel treated with a 9300 nm CO2 laser and fluoride result in less mineral loss against cariogenic challenge than enamel treated by laser or fluoride separately?
The following key words were used to develop a list of potentially eligible studies based on a combination of specific medical subject headings (MeSH) and free text terms for these three databases: ((9300 nm) OR (9.3 μm) OR OR OR (CO2 laser) OR (CO2 lasers)) AND ((fluoride) OR) AND ((dental caries) OR OR OR OR OR)
Summary
Dental caries are a major global health problem [1]. They lead to the demineralization and proteolytic destruction of the organic component of dental tissues as a progressively infectious disease that causes the formation of cavities [2]. The metabolic actions of oral microorganisms upon dietary carbohydrates in the plaque biofilm produce acid and cause mineral loss in enamel and dentine [3]. The topical use of fluoride can delay the progression of lesions and inhibit the formation of biofilm by binding to bacterial cellular components, and it can influence enzymes related to carbohydrate metabolism [8,9]. Fluoride inhibits collagenases and hinders the degradation of dentine collagen [10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
