CO₂ LASER ASSOCIATED TO FLUORIDE AGENTS FOR INHIBITING ENAMEL EROSION

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the potential of the CO2 laser (10.6 µm) associated to fluoride agents in inhibiting human enamel erosion. Method: Human enamel samples were divided into 9 groups (n = 12): G1: negative control (eroded enamel), G2: APF gel, G3: AmF/NaF gel, G4: AmF/SnF2 solution, G5: CO2 laser + APF gel, G6: CO2 laser + AmF/NaF gel, G7: CO2 laser + AmF/SnF2 solution, G8: CO2 laser and G9: positive control (sound enamel). After surface treatment, samples were immersed in 1% citric acid (pH 4.0). Knoop Surface microhardness (SMH) was measured before surface treatments and after surface softening. The data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey tests (p<0.05). Result: G2 (40.,66 ± 37.35) presented the highest SMH means after softening, followed by G3 (407.58 ± 29.85) e G5 (399.75 ± 32.96). G4 (309.08 ± 25.47) resulted in significantly low SMH mean than G3 and G2, which were statistically similar to each other. Conclusion: Within the limits of the present in vitro study, AmF/NaF and APF application (with or without previous CO2 laser irradiation) have shown a potential to control erosion progression in human dental enamel.