Potential of CO2 lasers (10.6 μm) associated with fluorides in inhibiting human enamel erosion

This in vitro study aimed to investigate the potential of CO2 lasers associated with different fluoride agents in inhibiting enamel erosion. Human enamel samples were randomly divided into 9 groups (n = 12): G1-eroded enamel; G2-APF gel; G3-AmF/NaF gel; G4-AmF/SnF2 solution; G5-CO(2)laser (lambda = 10.6 mu m)+APF gel; G6-CO(2)laser+AmF/NaF gel; G7-CO(2)laser+AmF/SnF(2)solution; G8-CO2 laser; and G9-sound enamel. The CO2 laser parameters were: 0.45 J/cm(2); 6 mu s; and 128 Hz. After surface treatment, the samples (except from G9) were immersed in 1% citric acid (pH 4.0, 3 min). Surface microhardness was measured at baseline and after surface softening. The data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p < 0.05). G2 (407.6 +/- 37.3) presented the highest mean SMH after softening, followed by G3 (407.5 +/- 29.8) and 05 (399.7 +/- 32.9). Within the fluoride-treated groups, G4 (309.0 +/- 24.4) had a significantly lower mean SMH than G3 and G2, which were statistically similar to each other. AmF/NaF and APF application showed potential to protect and control erosion progression in dental enamel, and CO2 laser irradiation at 0.45J/cm(2) did not influence its efficacy. CO2 laser irradiation alone under the same conditions could also significantly decrease enamel erosive mineral loss, although at lower levels.