STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF FLUORIDE ON LASER ENHANCED REMINERALIZATION OF DEMINERALIZED HUMAN ENAMEL

Background: Enamel is regularly subjected to demineralization and remineralization under different oral circumstances. Any interruption in the balance between demineralization and remineralization can initiate the formation of incipient caries lesions. However, in the early stage of formation these lesions can be remineralizedusing various preventive measures. Topical fluorides have shown positive results in the prevention of caries in several studies. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of combination between diode laser and topical fluoride application on the surface microhardness of the demineralized enamel. Materials and Methods: Four caries-free human premolars were examined under the stereomicroscope to exclude teeth with surface enamel defects. Buccal enamel surface microhardness (SMH) for all samples was measured by Micro Vickers Hardness Tester (MVHT). The samples were demineralized by 15% Hydrochloric acid (HCl) with PH average 4.5, then the SMH was measured. The demineralized teeth were subjected to fluoride toothpaste after diode laser application. Third evaluation for enamel SMH was performed after remineralization. Results: Enamel SMH of the control group has shown the highest values followed by the remineralization group while the least values were measured in the demineralization group. Conclusions: The results obtained in the study lead to the conclusion that application of fluoride toothpaste after diode laser could enhance the remineralization potential of the demineralized enamel.