Topical Laser Application Enhances Enamel Fluoride Uptake and Tribological Properties

Abstract

Topical fluoride treatment prevents dental caries. However, the resulting calcium-fluoride-like deposits are soft and have poor wear resistance; therefore, frequent treatment is required. Lasers quickly heat surfaces and can be made portable and suitable for oral remedies. We examined the morphology, nanohardness, elastic modulus, nanowear, and fluoride uptake of fluoride-treated enamel followed by CO2 laser irradiation for 5 and 10 sec, respectively. We found that laser treatments significantly increased the mechanical properties of the calcium-fluoride-like deposits. The wear resistance of the calcium-fluoride-like deposits improved about 34% after laser irradiation for 5 sec and about 40% following irradiation for 10 sec. We also found that laser treatments increased fluoride uptake by at least 23%. Overall, laser treatment significantly improved fluoride incorporation into dental tissue and the wear resistance of the protective calcium-fluoride layer.

Retention Improvement in Fluoride Application with Cold Atmospheric Plasma

“…Fluoride application with a laser had a different effect according to the types of lasers and fluoride products. High-intensity irradiation is required to achieve the desired effect; thus, the risk of damaging the underlying pulp increases (Jeng et al 2013). In addition, a laser has linearity; therefore, it has some limitations when applied to the oral tissues with an irregular structure.…”

CO2 laser emission modes to control enamel erosion

“…The association of CO 2 laser with fluoride formulations enhanced the inhibitory enamel demineralization effect (Mathew et al, ; Mohan et al, ; Wiegand et al, ), and promoted greater fluoride uptake than treatment with fluoride only (Jeng et al, ). It is hypothesized that the combination of CO 2 laser with a fluoride source can favor the CaF 2 deposition, acting as a fluoride resource (Chin‐Ying et al, ; Tepper et al, ), and can support the fluoride uptake on the crystalline structure in the form of fluorapatite (Mohan et al, ; Ten Cate, ), posing against the enamel dissolution.…”

Caries Inhibition With Co2-laser During Orthodontic Treatment a Study Protocol for a Randomized Split-mouth Controlled Clinical Trial

“…6,7,8,9,10 Furthermore, the results of recent studies reported increased resistance to acid demineralization of the enamel after sub-ablative CO 2 -laser irradiation in a combination of uoride application. 5,11,12,13,14,15,16 The synergistic mechanism of laser with uoride is due to the removal of the organic matrix that would render a greater surface area for an increased uoride uptake both super cially by forming calcium uoride (CaF 2 ) and in its crystalline structure. 16,17 Most of the studies demonstrating the effect of CO 2 laser and uoride therapy on solubility or microhardness enhancement of enamel are in vitro.…”