Comparative Study of Diode Laser Enhanced Remineralization by Fluoride and Nanohydroxyapatite of the Demineralized Human Enamel

Abstract

Enamel demineralization occurs by acid attack during dental caries. The incipient caries lesions could be arrested by the enhancement of remineralization through application of remineralizing agents. The reason for the initial caries is that the organic acids produced by the bacteria have leached out a certain amount of calcium and phosphate ions. Therefore, the increase of calcium or fluoride concentrations in the oral fluids was found to enhance lesion remineralization. Diode laser has an ability to enhance tooth remineralization, and appears to be a tempting alternative to high power lasers in caries inhibition because of its low energy level which preserves the enamel integrity and minimize the creation of porosities on the tooth surface. Although fluoride therapy has been the cornerstone of caries-prevention strategies since the introduction of water fluoridation schemes over 5 decades, but it has many drawbacks. Therefore, the introduction of nano sized hydroxyapatite has been used as remineralizing agent. Nano sized particles have similarity to the apatite crystals in morphology and crystal structure. The majority of studies of nanohydroxyapatite in caries prevention have focused on its remineralizing ability.