Evaluation of the Effect of Diode Laser and Desensitising Agent on Dentinal Tubules in Fluorosed and Non-Fluorosed Teeth using SEM Analysis - An in Vitro Study

AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a combination of diode lasers and desensitising agent on the dentinal tubules and to compare these effects in fluorosed and non fluorosed teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 72 fully erupted teeth were extracted and scaling and root planing were done. The sample was divided into two groups namely fluorosed (F) group, n= 36 and non fluorosed (NF) group, n= 36. The proximal region of each sample was taken and sectioned into 3 parts using diamond discs. The samples were treated according to the treatment protocol of the subgroups they were allotted to: Subgroup a, 5 % Potassium Nitrate desensitising agent; Subgroup b, 810 nm Diode laser; Subgroup c, Combination of desensitising agent and diode laser. The samples were analysed using scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The subgroup treated with a combination of diode laser and desensitising tooth paste showed maximum number of closed dentinal tubules and also the maximum amount of closure, followed by laser subgroup and least closure seen with desensitising agent subgroup. CONCLUSION: Thus the results of the present study suggest that, for both fluorosed and non fluorosed teeth, combination therapy with initial application of desensitising agent followed by irradiation with diode laser have a therapeutic benefit over the control groups, and this is a useful treatment for dentinal hypersensitivity.