Holmium:YAG laser: effects of various treatments on root surface topography and acid resistance

Abstract

The effects of Holmium:YAG laser energy with and without a topical fluoride mixture (resin to NaF) was compared with two types of topical fluorides on surface topography and resistance to acid destruction of root surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate the effects of the selected treatments on surface topography before acid exposure. Toluidine blue dye was used to test the permeability of root surfaces after acid exposures. SEM examinations of the dentinal root surfaces showed consistently smooth surfaces with tubule closures when using topical resin to fluoride and HO:YAG laser treatment; in contrast, HO:YAG laser energy treatment alone exhibited increased roughness of root surfaces. Topical fluoride applications alone presented surfaces similar to untreated control sites. Toluidine blue dye penetration into root surfaces of the fluoride/laser-treated root surfaces showed significantly less dye penetration after acid exposures than controls and other treatment protocols. The results of this study indicate that the resin–fluoride application and holmium:YAG irradiation effectively produced increased smoothness and increased resistance to destruction of root surfaces in human extracted teeth under these in vitro conditions.