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 Table of Contents  
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Year : 2015  |  Volume : 9  |  Issue : 1  |  Page : 11-15

Effect of laser and fluoride application for prevention of dental caries: A polarized microscope analysis


1 Department of Conservative and Endodontics, AMC Dental College, Ahemdabad, Gujarat, India
2 Department of Conservative and Endodontics, GDC, Ahemdabad, Gujarat, India
3 Department of Conservative and Endodontics, Subharti Dental College, Meerut, Utter Pradesh, India
4 Department of Orthodontia, GDC, AMC Dental College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
5 Department of Pedodontia, AMC Dental College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Date of Web Publication22-May-2015

Correspondence Address:
Dr. Parul Bansal
58/6, Jagriti Vihar, Meerut, Utter Pradesh
India
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Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None


DOI: 10.4103/0976-2868.157590

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  Abstract 

Aim: Aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of CO 2 pulse laser on acid resistance when irradiated alone or prior to fluoride treatment. Materials and Methods: Totally, 80 extracted premolars were prepared and randomly assigned to four groups (n = 20 for each group): (i) Untreated (control), (ii) fluoride treated, (iii) CO 2 laser treated, (iv) CO 2 laser + fluoride treated. Specimens were exposed to pH cycling, and acid resistance was evaluated by determining the initial surface demineralization of enamel assessed under polarized light microscope. Results: Significant differences were found between the control group and fluoride, laser or laser + fluoride groups (P < 0.05). There was significant difference between laser group and control (P = 0.01) or fluoride group (P = 0.05). There was no significant difference between laser and laser + fluoride group. Conclusion: All applied treatments were capable of reducing caries like lesion progression in dental enamel when compared with the control group. From the parameters measured, the rank order of anti-cariogenic potential of the treatment was, CO 2 laser combined with fluoride varnish, CO 2 laser alone and fluoride varnish alone.

Keywords: CO 2 laser, fluoride varnish, polarized light microscope


How to cite this article:
Malik A, Parmar G, Bansal P, Bhattacharya A, Joshi N. Effect of laser and fluoride application for prevention of dental caries: A polarized microscope analysis. J Dent Lasers 2015;9:11-5

How to cite this URL:
Malik A, Parmar G, Bansal P, Bhattacharya A, Joshi N. Effect of laser and fluoride application for prevention of dental caries: A polarized microscope analysis. J Dent Lasers [serial online] 2015 [cited 2024 Mar 28];9:11-5. Available from: http://www.jdentlasers.org/text.asp?2015/9/1/11/157590


  Introduction Top


In spite of the decline observed in dental caries, it still represents the most prevalent chronic childhood oral disease. Caries is a dynamic process, fluctuating between demineralization and remineralization process, beginning with the microscopic loss of crystal structure progressing to complete destruction and cavitation.

In the past, fluoride and fissure sealants were the primary caries preventive agents. Fluoride has been proven to be an effective treatment for the prevention of dental caries by inhibiting demineralization and enhancing remineralization. [1] Of all the new avenues open to caries prevention through increased acid resistance, the use of laser in the prevention of demineralization is one of the most fascinating and promising of all. The use of laser irradiation as a means of inhibiting dental caries was first suggested by Stern and Sognnaes. [2]

Laser treatment is effective in elevating the resistance of enamel to cariogenic challenge by changing the surface structure and physical properties, including melting and recrystallization of the enamel hydroxyapatite crystals. [3] Several investigators have demonstrated that treatment with various lasers such as the CO 2 , Nd: YAG and Argon lasers can reduce the subsurface demineralization rate in enamel. [4] CO 2 laser appears to be the most efficient in this regard due to the enamel absorption coefficient which closely corresponds to the CO 2 laser emission wavelength. [5]

The efficacy of CO 2 laser irradiation combined with fluoride in inhibiting enamel demineralization has been demonstrated in several laboratory investigations. [6],[7] The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of CO 2 laser; fluoride varnish; and CO 2 laser and fluoride varnish on initial surface demineralization of permanent dentition enamel. Thereby, to assess the caries preventive potential of CO 2 laser treatment of enamel compared to topical fluoride application.


  Materials and Methods Top


Teeth selection and grouping

Totally, 80 mandibular and maxillary premolars extracted for orthodontic treatment were collected and carefully assessed by stereomicroscope to ensure the absence of any caries or defect. Teeth were cleaned of tissue tags and washed with deionized water. Samples were stored in 0.1% thymol solution. Teeth were coated with an acid-resistant varnish leaving a window of 2 mm × 2 mm area of exposed enamel surface for the creation of artificial caries-like lesions.

Teeth were divided into four groups consisting of 20 teeth.

  • Group I (control): No fluoride varnish application or laser irradiation was done prior to pH cycling
  • Group II (fluoride test group): Enamel was treated with 0.1 mg of fluoride varnish over a period of 6 h
  • Group III (laser test group): Enamel was irradiated with a pulsed CO 2 laser
  • Group IV (laser and fluoride test group): Laser irradiation was, followed by fluoride varnish application over a period of 6 h.
Laser treatment

The laser and fluoride and laser groups were subjected to laser irradiation with a CO 2 laser (Denta K, ESC/Sharplan, UK) at a wavelength of 10.6.mm with 1.6 W power, 10 ms pulse duration, 10 ms of time off, 50 Hz repetition rate, 0.3 mm beam diameter and 10 J/cm 2 per pulse fluence. Irradiation was carried out by scanning the exposed enamel of each tooth for approximately 30 s from an X-Y positioning platform while maintaining a 10 mm distance from the tip of the hand piece to the tooth in order to provide uniform coverage of each window. The scanning speed was approximately 1 mm/s.

Fluoride treatment

The fluoride and laser, and fluoride groups were treated with topical fluoride varnish (Bifluorid, Voco), containing 6.0% NaF and CaF 2 w/w for 6 h, immediately after the FL group received laser treatment.

pH-cycling process

A 9 days and night pH-cycling scheme was performed, with 6 h of demineralization, followed by 17.5 h of remineralization at 37°C. The demineralization solution contained 2.0 mmol/L calcium, 2.0 mmol/L phosphate, and 0.075 mol/L acetate at pH 4.3. The remineralization solution was supersaturated with calcium phosphate (calcium = 1.5 mmol/L, phosphate = 0.9 mmol/L), with potassium chloride at 150 mmol/L and cacodylate buffer to pH 7.0 (20 mmol/L). A 10 min wash in deionized and distilled water was performed between the demineralization and remineralization phases and at the end of the process. Both demineralization and remineralization solutions were changed daily.

Polarized light microscopy analysis

Samples were sectioned with a carborundum disc mounted on a micromotor hand piece, of approximately 0.5 mm thickness in a buccolingual direction. Samples were then observed under polarized light microscope at ×100 using water as imbibition media. Observations are presented in the [Table 1] and [Figure 1] [Figure 2] [Figure 3] [Figure 4].
Figure 1: Polarized light photomicrograph of the control group. Arrows indicating the initial enamel lesions (positive birefringence lesion area)

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Figure 2: Polarized light photomicrograph of group 2 (fluoride varnish applications) with no area of demineralization in enamel

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Figure 3: Polarized light photomicrograph of group 3 (laser applications) with no area of demineralization in enamel

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Figure 4: Polarized light photomicrograph of group 4 after laser and fluoride applications with no area of demineralization in enamel

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Table 1: Polarized light microscopic analysis


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Statistical analysis

To compare the proportion between the different groups Tukey test for significance was done. For the purpose of comparison, P < 0.05 is considered for statistical significance [Table 2].
Table 2: Comparative evaluation of different groups for resistance to surface demineralization of enamel


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  Results Top


The results of the present study showed that all applied treatments were capable of reducing caries like lesion progression in dental enamel (P < 0.05) when compared with the control group. The present data revealed that the laser-treated samples presented significantly less caries formation than the other group specimens. In addition, the combination of CO 2 laser irradiation with fluoride varnish provided significantly more protection against demineralization than did the fluoride varnish use alone. There was no significant difference between laser and laser and fluoride groups. From the parameters measured, the rank order of anti-cariogenic potential of the treatment was, CO 2 laser combined with fluoride varnish, CO 2 laser alone and fluoride varnish alone.


  Discussion Top


In various approaches to preventive dentistry relating to dental caries, efforts have been made by chemical means to reduce the solubility of the enamel surface and to create conditions that would promote the penetration of caries-preventive agents to subsurface enamel, fluorides being one among them. The fluoride concentration and pH of topical fluoride solution have an influence on fluoride uptake into enamel. [8] As an alternative to fluoride application, laser pretreatment of enamel inhibit subsequent, acid-induced dissolution of enamel. The implications of laser irradiation as a means of inhibiting dental caries were first suggested by Stern and Sognnaes, [2] Since then, several studies using several types of laser apparatus have demonstrated that laser pretreatment of enamel can inhibit subsequent artificial caries-like lesions. [6],[9]

Continuous wave or pulsed CO 2 lasers, Nd: YAG, and Excimer lasers have been used to enhance caries resistance and support remineralization. [4] However, the wavelengths (k) of argon lasers (k ¼ 488-514 nm) and Nd: YAG lasers (k ¼ 1064 nm) seemed to fail to be effectively absorbed by an enamel. [10] Furthermore, cavity preparation performed by Er: YAG (k ¼ 2940 nm) and Er, Cr: YSGG (k ¼¼ 2780 nm) was also not found to be capable of reducing the susceptibility of the prepared enamel to in vitro demineralization.

Studies carried out to evaluate the effect of a CO 2 laser on enamel and dentin structures showed its absorption by dental tissues to be high. This is a result of the fact that the CO 2 laser produces radiation in the infrared region, which coincides closely with some of the apatite absorption bands, mainly phosphate and carbonate group absorption bands and also due to the enamel absorption coefficient, which closely corresponds to the CO 2 laser emission wavelength. [8] Therefore, it seems that the CO 2 laser may exhibit promising results in increasing the resistance of enamel to acid dissolution. [3],[11] Hence, CO 2 laser radiation at safe energy levels can be used to thermally modify enamel that is more resistant to acid dissolution. Some investigators have found that the most efficient wavelengths for prevention of dental caries was 9.3 mm and 9.6 mm, due to the high absorption coefficient in dental enamel at these wavelengths. [5]

In the present study, only laser group was found to be significantly superior to only fluoride group (P < 0.05). Similar results have been reported in various studies [3],[4],[12] suggesting less caries inhibition in the fluoride group as compared to the laser treated group thereby, corroborating with the results of the present fluoride study group.

Similar to our study, various pH cycling studies using fluoride, have reported inhibition of caries progression by 70-80%, [13],[14] while studies [6] on laser inhibition of caries reported an inhibition in the range of 70-85% various other studies, [15],[16] in contrast to the present study, have reported a higher percentage of caries inhibition in the only fluoride treated group as compared to the laser treated samples. The possible explanation to this, as suggested by Dawes and Weatherell, could be that laser treatment does not enhance remineralization in the absence of fluoride, but only inhibits demineralization, and since fluoride interferes physicochemically with caries development by reducing demineralization and enhancing remineralization, it has shown to have improved caries prevention. [17]

In the present study lesion inhibition in laser only group was less (85%), as compared to that of the combined group, wherein the lesion inhibition accounted to about 90%. However, no statistically significant difference was found between laser alone and combined group. These results are in accordance with the studies [18],[19] which showed similar results. On the contrary, several other studies have shown that lasers and fluoride combined treatment was significantly superior to laser alone treatment. [16] This effect can be attributed not only to enamel changes promoted by the CO 2 laser, but also to a possible increase in fluoride uptake in irradiated enamel. [5]

Similar to our study, several studies with fluoride and laser irradiation have demonstrated an increased inhibition of demineralization. [13],[14],[19] Combined applications of laser irradiation and fluoride have been reported to have synergistic effects, [20] enhancing the fluoride uptake of the irradiated enamel.

Based on the literature various mechanisms are involved in the cariostatic effect of low-energy laser-fluoride treatment on enamel demineralization.

Purification of enamel hydroxyapatite

One of the main mechanisms may be the laser-induced compositional changes in enamel by formation of a less-soluble enamel structure resulting from decreased carbonate and crystalline water, increased structural OH and the potential formation of pyrophosphate. [11]

Reduction of enamel diffusion

The photothermal effect of a low-energy laser treatment may also cause a reduction in enamel permeability. [12]

Increased fluoride deposition on enamel surfaces

After CO 2 laser irradiation, [13] fluoride uptake on the enamel surface increased by 37% more and may be released from the surface during acid attack to reduce the demineralization and enhance remineralization. [14]

Formation of fluoridated hydroxyapatite

CO 2 laser treatment may transform synthetic hydroxyapatite into "fluorapatite" in the presence of fluoride. [12] Fluoride uptake was shown to be greater when laser treatment was done before the fluoride treatment rather than after fluoride application. [8]

Various possible mechanisms have been suggested for the laser-induced increase of fluoride uptake. One theory proposes that during laser irradiation, many partially coalescent globular granules are also produced by the process of melting and the subsequent resolidification of enamel crystals. [8] In this situation, fluoride can easily penetrate into the spaces between the granules. The microspaces formed by laser irradiation may trap the demineralized ions and provide space to allow them to combine with fluoride. [21] One possible explanation to this could be that there may have been a presence of some surface induced changes, such as an increase in cracks and roughness which might play an important role in increasing calcium-fluoride-like material formation. [16] Another mechanism emphasizes the role of lasers in enhancing fluoride uptake into the tooth crystalline structure in the form of firmly bound fluoride. [15] These facts help explain the remarkable synergism achieved by laser combined with fluoride over either respective treatment modality. Since fluoride was not present at the time of irradiation, heat does not seem to be responsible for fluoride uptake.


  Conclusion Top


The emergence of a new philosophy of prevention, rather than repair and replacement has been one of the most visionary approaches in preventive dentistry, so that the present study has been carried out in an attempt to explore the possibilities of the effects and applications of lasers in preventive dentistry. Like various other studies, the present study also supports the use of laser and fluoride for the prevention of dental caries.

 
  References Top

1.
Wefel JS. Effects of fluoride on caries development and progression using intra-oral models. J Dent Res 1990;69 Spec No: 626-33.  Back to cited text no. 1
    
2.
Stern RH, Sognnaes RF. Laser inhibition of dental caries suggested by first tests in vivo. J Am Dent Assoc 1972;85:1087-90.  Back to cited text no. 2
    
3.
Liu Y, Hsu CY, Teo CM, Teoh SH. Potential mechanism for the laser-fluoride effect on enamel demineralization. J Dent Res 2013;92:71-5.  Back to cited text no. 3
    
4.
Chen CC, Huang ST, Chen HS, Hsiao SY. Effect of lasers and fluoride on the acid resistance of Human enamel with incipient carious lesions. Taiwan J Oral Med Sci 2009;25:23-34.  Back to cited text no. 4
    
5.
Chin-Ying SH, Xiaoli G, Jisheng P, Wefel JS. Effects of CO2 laser on fluoride uptake in enamel. J Dent 2004;32:161-7.  Back to cited text no. 5
    
6.
Featherstone JD, Barrett-Vespone NA, Fried D, Kantorowitz Z, Seka W. CO2 laser inhibitor of artificial caries-like lesion progression in dental enamel. J Dent Res 1998;77:1397-403.  Back to cited text no. 6
    
7.
Fox JL, Yu D, Otsuka M, Higuchi WI, Wong J, Powell G. Combined effects of laser irradiation and chemical inhibitors on the dissolution of dental enamel. Caries Res 1992;26:333-9.  Back to cited text no. 7
    
8.
Goodman BD, Kaufman HW. Effects of an argon laser on the crystalline properties and rate of dissolution in acid of tooth enamel in the presence of sodium fluoride. J Dent Res 1977;56:1201-7.  Back to cited text no. 8
    
9.
Brudevold F, McCann HG, Nilsson R, Richardson B, Coklica V. The chemistry of caries inhibition problems and challenges in topical treatments. J Dent Res 1967;46:37-45.  Back to cited text no. 9
    
10.
Stern RH, Sognnaes RF. Laser beam effect on dental hard tissues. J Dent Res 1964;43:873.  Back to cited text no. 10
    
11.
Morioka T, Tagamori S, Oho T. Acid resistance of lased human enamel with Erbium: YAG laser. J Clin Laser Med Surg 1982; June:215-7.  Back to cited text no. 11
    
12.
Stern RH, Vahl J, Sognnaes RF. Lased enamel: Ultrastructural observations of pulsed carbon dioxide laser effects. J Dent Res 1972;51:455-60.  Back to cited text no. 12
    
13.
Meurman JH, Hemmerlé J, Voegel JC, Rauhamaa-Mäkinen R, Luomanen M. Transformation of hydroxyapatite to fluorapatite by irradiation with high-energy CO2 laser. Caries Res 1997;31:397-400.  Back to cited text no. 13
    
14.
White DJ, Featherstone JD. A longitudinal microhardness analysis of fluoride dentifrice effects on lesion progression in vitro. Caries Res 1987;21:502-12.  Back to cited text no. 14
    
15.
Featherstone JDB, Zero DT. Laboratory and human studies to elucidate the mechanism of action of fluoride-containing dentifrices. In: Embery G, Rolla G, editors. Clinical and Biological Aspects of Dentifrices. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 1992. p. 41-50.  Back to cited text no. 15
    
16.
Rodrigues LK, Nobre Dos Santos M, Featherstone JD. In situ mineral loss inhibition by CO2 laser and fluoride. J Dent Res 2006;85:617-21.  Back to cited text no. 16
    
17.
Dawes C, Weatherell JA. Kinetics of fluoride in the oral fluids. J Dent Res 1990;69 Spec No: 638-44.  Back to cited text no. 17
    
18.
Tagliaferro EP, Rodrigues LK, Nobre Dos Santos M, Soares LE, Martin AA. Combined effects of carbon dioxide laser and fluoride on demineralized primary enamel: An in vitro study. Caries Res 2007;41:74-6.  Back to cited text no. 18
    
19.
Steiner-Oliveira C, Rodrigues LK, Lima EB, Nobre-dos-Santos M. Effect of the CO2 laser combined with fluoridated products on the inhibition of enamel demineralization. J Contemp Dent Pract 2008;9:113-21.  Back to cited text no. 19
    
20.
Santaella MR, Braun A, Matson E, Frentzen M. Effect of diode laser and fluoride varnish on initial surface demineralization of primary dentition enamel: An in vitro study. Int J Paediatr Dent 2004;14:199-203.  Back to cited text no. 20
    
21.
Huang GF, Lan WH, Guo MK, Chiang CP. Synergistic effect of Nd: YAG laser combined with fluoride varnish on inhibition of caries formation in dental pits and fissures in vitro. J Formos Med Assoc 2001;100:181-5.  Back to cited text no. 21
    


    Figures

  [Figure 1], [Figure 2], [Figure 3], [Figure 4]
 
 
    Tables

  [Table 1], [Table 2]



 

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