The combined occluding effect of sodium fluoride varnish and erbium: Yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser irradiation on dentinal tubules − CLSM and SEM study

Abstract

Introduction: Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is one of the most common problems, but to date, no single agent or form of treatment has been found effective. Lasers have promising potential for the treatment of DH. This in vitro study aims to compare and evaluate the desensitising ability of a combination of sodium fluoride varnish (NaF) and Erbium: yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Er: YAG) laser by assessing tubule occlusion and depth of penetration of the agent in dentinal tubules through Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), respectively. Materials and Methods: Forty-five extracted maxillary premolar teeth were included in this study. A 3-mm-thick horizontal slice was prepared from the cementoenamel junction of each tooth. Each slice was transversely separated into two halves as buccal and lingual samples. Ninety samples were obtained, and these samples were randomly divided into six equal groups. Groups A, B, C, and D were used for the evaluation of tubule occlusion with SEM Groups E and F were evaluated for dentin permeability with CLSM. Results: Intergroup comparisons showed statistically significant differences among groups, and it was observed that the combined use of Sodium fluoride and Er: YAG Laser showed better occluding (Group D) and depth penetration (Group F) effect when analysed using SEM and CLSM, respectively. Conclusion: It can be concluded that a combination of fluoride varnish and lasers offers a significant role in dentinal hypersensitivity.