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Influence of cavity preparation with Er:YAG Laser on enamel adjacent to restorations submitted to cariogenic challenge in situ: A polarized light microscopic analysis
Author(s) -
Chimello Daniela T.,
Serra Mônica C.,
Rodrigues Antonio L.,
Pécora Jesus D.,
Corona Silmara A.M.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/lsm.20684
Subject(s) - er:yag laser , demineralization , enamel paint , laser , dentistry , materials science , biomedical engineering , optics , medicine , physics
Background and Objectives Er:YAG laser has been used for caries removal and cavity preparation, using ablative parameters. Its effect on the margins of restorations submitted to cariogenic challenge has not yet been sufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the enamel adjacent to restored Er:YAG laser‐prepared cavities submitted to cariogenic challenge in situ, under polarized light microscopy. Study Design/Materials and Methods Ninety‐one enamel slabs were randomly assigned to seven groups ( n = 13): I, II, III—Er:YAG laser with 250 mJ, 62.5 J/cm 2 , combined with 2, 3, and 4 Hz, respectively; IV, V, VI—Er:YAG laser with 350 mJ, 87.5 J/cm 2 , combined with 2, 3, and 4 Hz, respectively; VII—High‐speed handpiece (control). Cavities were restored and the restorations were polished. The slabs were fixed to intra‐oral appliances, worn by 13 volunteers for 14 days. Sucrose solution was applied to each slab six times per day. Samples were removed, cleaned, sectioned and ground to polarized light microscopic analysis. Demineralized area and inhibition zone width were quantitatively assessed. Presence or absence of cracks was also analyzed. Scores for demineralization and inhibition zone were determined. Results No difference was found among the groups with regard to demineralized area, inhibition zone width, presence or absence of cracks, and demineralization score. Inhibition zone score showed difference among the groups. There was a correlation between the quantitative measures and the scores. Conclusion Er:YAG laser was similar to high‐speed handpiece, with regard to alterations in enamel adjacent to restorations submitted to cariogenic challenge in situ. The inhibition zone score might suggest less demineralization at the restoration margin of the irradiated substrates. Correlation between the quantitative measures and scores indicates that score was, in this case, a suitable complementary method for assessment of caries lesion around restorations, under polarized light microscopy. Lesers Surg. Med. 40:634–643, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.