OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface/mineral changes on enamel before and after the application of acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel, fluoride enhanced hydroxyapatite gel and propolis in conjunction with carbon-dioxide (CO2) laser.
METHODS: Crowns of 40 human maxillary central incisors were collected and were divided into four groups of 10 each: Topical fluoride application only, topical fluoride application followed by CO2 laser irradiation, CO2 laser irradiation followed by topical fluoride application and CO2 laser irradiation before and after topical fluoride application. The 10 crowns in each group was again sectioned into four equal parts of mesio-incisal, disto-incisal, mesio-cervical and disto-cervical sections rendering 40 samples in each group. Each group was again subdivided into four subgroups: Subgroup C - untreated enamel surface (control). Subgroup A - APF gel application, subgroup R - fluoride enhanced hydroxyapatite gel application and subgroup P - propolis application. The surface morphology of the test samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and mineral changes by energy dispersion X-ray spectrophotometer.
RESULTS: Total mineral content is maximum in Group 4A (CO2 laser irradiation before and after APF gel application) and calcium/phosphate ratio is highest in Group 4R (CO2 laser irradiation before and after Remin-Pro application). Group 2A (APF gel application followed by CO2 laser irradiation) has the maximum fluoride retention.
CONCLUSIONS: Laser irradiation of enamel through a topically applied APF gel is effective in the prophylaxis and management of dental caries.
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