Abstract
(1) Background: Erosive lesions of dental enamel are steadily increasing owing to both the availability of exogenous acid and the production of endogenous acid. The aim of this study was to investigate the erosion-inhibiting potential of a diode laser irradiation and topical application of fluoride used alone or in combination on the enamel surface of extracted teeth before exposure to an acidic solution. (2) Methods: The four axial enamel surfaces of 40 healthy molars were used for four study groups: (A) no treatment; (B) application of fluoride gel for 120 s; (O) a diode laser application for 120 s; and (X) a combined laser/fluoride for 120 s. Each enamel surface was examined by SEM (scanning electron microscopy). (3) Results: At 700× magnification, it was possible to detect the enamel prisms of the test area of groups A, B, and O, while no structures such as enamel prisms were highlighted for group X because they were covered by an amorphous layer. The mean number of prisms ×1000 µm2 was 7.2 units with an SD of 0.72 for group A, 8 units with an SD of 0.96 for group B, and 4.8 units with a SD of 0.4 for group O. Student’s t-test showed no significant difference between group A and B with a p = 0.054. Group O showed a significant reduction of prims ×1000 µm2 compared with group A (p = 0.0027) and group B (p = 0.0009). Student’s t-test showed no significant difference between groups A and B with a p = 0.054. Group O showed a significant reduction of prims density with respect to group A (p = 0.0027) and group B (p = 0.0009). (4) Conclusions: This amorphous layer might be correlated with the effect of laser on enamel, which reduces both water and carbonate ion; increases the crystallinity of hydroxyapatite, and improves the mechanical properties of enamel; which is responsible for greater protection expressed by the enamel of group X against acid attacks.
Highlights
The goal of modern dentistry is prevention rather than treatment of dental caries.Topical fluoride in conjunction with oral hygiene is the most important means of prevention.Fluoride acts through three main mechanisms: it improves the resistance of the enamel, 4.0/).facilitates remineralization of initial enamel lesions, and interferes with microorganisms by inhibiting bacterial metabolism and the enzymatic process [1].The most common forms of topical administration of fluoride are toothpaste, gel, varnishes, and mouthrinses
No structures resembling prisms could be observed on the enamel surface of the area test of Group X (Figure 5d)
The enamel surface of sample X appeared with an amorphous layer
Summary
The goal of modern dentistry is prevention rather than treatment of dental caries.Topical fluoride in conjunction with oral hygiene is the most important means of prevention.Fluoride acts through three main mechanisms: it improves the resistance of the enamel, 4.0/).facilitates remineralization of initial enamel lesions, and interferes with microorganisms by inhibiting bacterial metabolism and the enzymatic process [1].The most common forms of topical administration of fluoride are toothpaste, gel, varnishes, and mouthrinses. Topical fluoride in conjunction with oral hygiene is the most important means of prevention. The protective effect of fluoride is due to the formation of a superficial CaF layer that prevents the enamel from being exposed to acids and dissolution [2,3,4]. Some studies have shown that the efficacy of fluoride therapy in combating dental erosion is limited because it correlates with the constant presence of fluoride in the oral cavity. This means that, in order to achieve a protective effect, products with a higher fluoride concentration and a longer retention time must be used
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