In vitro study to evaluate laser fluorescence device for monitoring the effect of aluminum gallium arsenide laser on noncavitated enamel lesions

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of laser fluorescence (LF)-based diagnostic device for monitoring the effect of aluminum gallium arsenide (Al Ga As) laser on noncavitated enamel lesions. Background: Dental caries is a reversible disease, and scope of reversing the carious lesion is increased if it is diagnosed before there is surface cavitation. Variegated remineralization strategies including remineralizing pastes and different lasers have been explored. The efficacy of this surface treatment requires a valid and a reliable assessment tool. LF is one such adjunct to traditional methods of caries detection. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five intact freshly extracted molars were sectioned mesiodistally so as to obtain fifty samples which were coated with nail varnish so that 3 mm × 3 mm of windows are created to maintain uniformity. All sample surfaces were evaluated with LF device so as to obtain the baseline values, these values served as control. All the samples were then acid etched by 30% phosphoric acid for 20 s to simulate surface demineralization. The LF device was used to record the values of demineralized samples. The surfaces of the teeth were then irradiated with Al Ga As laser of 3.5 W for 30 s. The LF device was then used to record the reading. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was done using paired t-test to compare control and test groups and calculation of the mean. Results: The demineralized surfaces have recorded statistically significant LF values greater than the untreated control sample values. Post laser irradiation, there is fall of the LF values and these values are closer to that of control. Conclusion: Laser fluorescence can be used as a tool to detect demineralization in situ and monitor changes in enamel surface during demineralization and remineralization phases. Surface treatment with laser irradiation gave values closer to that of control and this does indicate that laser irradiation brings about surface alteration as evaluated by laser fluorescence.