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The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of remineralizing agents on the surface roughness of eroded tooth enamel. Forty incisive bovines were selected and sectioned to obtain specimens of 4mm X 4mm, resulting in a surface area of 16,00mm², with a thickness of 2.50mm. The specimens were immersed in lemon juice, twice a day, over 5 days, and randomly divided into the following 4 groups: G1 = No treatment; G2 = 1.23% APF; G3 = Fluoride Varnish 5% and G4 = Regenerated. The surface roughness of the specimens was analyzed by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy. The obtained data were submitted to ANOVA after attend the homogeneity (Levene´s) and normality tests (Kolmogorov-Smirnov). All tests were statistically significant at 5% (α=0.05). The results showed that there was no statistically significant difference on the enamel roughness surface area between groups in the experimental region and the founded values were higher at the experimental when compared to the control region, however, without differences between the groups in each region. It was concluded that the remineralizing agents were not able to reduce the surface roughness of the studied groups. Keywords: Tooth Erosion. Dental Enamel. Fluorine. Tooth Remineralization. Resumo O objetivo deste estudo in vitro foi avaliar a influência de agentes remineralizantes na rugosidade da superficial do esmalte dental erodido. Quarenta bovinos incisivos foram selecionados e seccionados para obter espécimes de 4 mm x 4 mm, resultando em uma área superficial de 16,00 mm², com espessura de 2,50 mm. As amostras foram imersas em suco de limão, duas vezes ao dia, durante 5 dias, e divididas aleatoriamente nos 4 grupos seguintes: G1 = Sem tratamento; G2 = Flúor gel 1,23%; G3 = Verniz fluoretado 5% e G4 =Regenerate. A rugosidade superficial das amostras foi analisada por microscopia confocal de varredura a laser. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à ANOVA após os testes de homogeneidade (Levene) e normalidade (Kolmogorov-Smirnov). Todos os testes foram estatisticamente significantes a 5% (α = 0,05). Os resultados mostraram que não houve diferença estatisticamente significante na rugosidade de área do esmalte entre os grupos na região experimental e os valores encontrados foram maiores na experimental quando comparados à região controle, no entanto, sem diferenças entre os grupos em cada região. Concluiu-se que os remineralizantes não foram capazes de reduzir a rugosidade da superfície dos grupos estudados. Palavras-chave: Erosão Dentária. Esmalte dentário. Flúor. Remineralização Dentária.

An ideal aesthetic standard consists of facial and smile harmony. Discolored teeth generally cause an imbalance in facial aesthetics, leading to low self-esteem and disturbance in social relationships. Causes of teeth discoloration are classified as intrinsic or extrinsic. Bleaching is considered a safe and effective treatment for discolored nonvital teeth and can be associated with restorative treatment to properly correct the dental color and maximize the aesthetic results. This paper aims to present two case reports of single discolored nonvital anterior teeth and the protocol used to reestablish the dental harmony of these patients by bleaching and direct composite resin restoration. To exert minimally invasive dentistry is very important to preserve tooth structure and reduce the risk of fracture. Internal bleaching, although may not be sufficient to reestablish the aesthetic in some cases, it is important to minimize dental preparation to perform an indirect or direct restoration. Dentists must take into account the patients expectations, dominate the restorative technique and know the dental materials to properly be able to restore function and aesthetics and consequently improve life quality and social relationships. RESUMO Um padrão estético ideal consiste na harmonia facial e do sorriso. Dentes descoloridos geralmente causam um desequilíbrio na estética facial, levando a baixa auto-estima e interferência nas relações sociais. As causas da descoloração dos dentes são classificadas como intrínsecas ou extrínsecas. O clareamento é considerado um tratamento seguro e eficaz para os dentes não vitais escurecidos e pode ser associado ao tratamento restaurador para corrigir adequadamente a cor dental e maximizar os resultados estéticos. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar dois relatos de casos de dentes anteriores não vitais escurecidos e o protocolo utilizado para restabelecer a harmonia dentária desses pacientes por meio de clareamento e restauração direta em resina composta. Para exercer uma Odontologia minimamente invasiva é muito importante preservar a estrutura dentária e reduzir o risco de fratura. O clareamento interno, embora possa não ser suficiente para restabelecer a estética em alguns casos, é importante para minimizar o preparo dental para realizar uma restauração indireta ou direta. Os dentistas devem levar em consideração as expectativas dos pacientes, dominar a técnica restauradora e conhecer os materiais dentários para poder restaurar adequadamente a função e a estética e, consequentemente, melhorar a qualidade de vida e as relações sociais.

The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of the Er,Cr:YSGG laser associated or not to a desensitizing agent in the treatment of erosive lesions. Forty specimens with dimensions of 4mm x 4mm and 3mm thickness were divided into 4 groups (n = 10): G1- no treatment; G2- 5% fluoride varnish; G3- Er,Cr: YSGG; G4 - fluoride varnish + laser. The specimens were immersed in erosive drink 3 times a day for 1 minute with an average interval of 2 hours between cycles for a period of 10 days. The treatments were performed according to the groups and the surface roughness and the wear profile were analyzed by scanning confocal microscopy. The normality (Kolmogorov-Smirnov) and homogeneity (Levene's) of the tests were evaluated. After these analyzes, the surface roughness data were submitted to the statistical analysis of Variance Analysis (ANOVA). All tests adopted a significance level of 5% (α = 0.05). At the representative images of the wear profile, the morphology of bovine dental enamel in its control and eroded areas were compared and qualitatively discussed. As regard surface roughness, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. The qualitative analysis of the loss of volume showed that all experimental groups showed significant superficial morphology differences. Considering the limitations of an in vitro study, it can be concluded that the treatments performed were not able to treat dental erosion satisfactorily, indicating the need for more treatment sessions. Keywords: Tooth Erosion. Dental Enamel. Fluoride. YSGG Laser. ResumoO objetivo desse estudo in vitro foi avaliar a influência do laser Er,Cr:YSGG associado ou não a um agente dessensibilizante no tratamento de lesões erosivas. Foram confeccionados 40 espécimes com dimensões de 4mm x 4mm e 3mm de espessura, divididos em 4 grupos (n=10): G1- nenhum tratamento; G2- verniz fluoretado 5%; G3- aplicação do laser Er,Cr:YSGG; G4- verniz fluoretado + laser. Os espécimes foram imersos em bebida erosiva, 3 vezes por dia, durante 1 minuto, com intervalo médio de 2 horas entre os ciclos, por um período de 10 dias. Os tratamentos foram realizados de acordo com os grupos e que foram analisados a rugosidade superficial e o perfil de desgaste por meio de microscopia confocal de varredura. Avaliou-se a normalidade (Kolmogorov-Smirnov) e homogeneidade (Levene’s) dos dados. Após estas análises, os dados de rugosidade superficial foram submetidos ao teste estatístico de Análise de Variância (ANOVA). Todos os testes adotaram nível de significância de 5% (α=0,05). Através da obtenção das imagens representativas do perfil desgaste, a morfologia do esmalte dental bovino em suas áreas controle e erodida foram comparadas e qualitativamente discutidas. Quanto à rugosidade superficial, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos. A análise qualitativa da perda de volume mostrou que todos os grupos experimentais apresentaram diferenças significativas na morfologia superficial. Considerando as limitações de um estudo in vitro pode-se concluir que os tratamentos realizados não foram capazes de tratar a erosão dentária de forma satisfatória, indicando a necessidade de mais sessões de tratamento. Palavras-chave: Erosão dentária. Esmalte dental. Flúor. Laser de YSGG.

Purpose To determine the effects of tooth brushing on the surface roughness (Sa) and morphology, maximum relative depth (Rv), gloss (GU), and microhardness (MH) of four esthetic restorative materials and enamel. Materials and methods A light-curing composite resin (Filtek Supreme Ultra [FSU], 3M ESPE), two hybrid resin/ceramic CAD/CAM materials (Lava Ultimate [LAV], 3M ESPE, and VITA Enamic [VEN], VITA Zahnfabrik), and a CAD/CAM feldspathic ceramic (VITA Blocs Mark II [VMA], VITA Zahnfabrik) were evaluated. Bovine enamel (ENA) was used as a control group. All surfaces were polished in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Samples were analyzed before and after brushing (30,000 cycles) regarding Sa and Rv using a 3D laser-measuring microscope. GU was evaluated every 10,000 tooth brushing cycles. MH was also measured before and after tooth brushing. The surfaces were observed using scanning electron and laser measuring microscopies to determine the wear patterns. Data were analyzed by paired t test, one-way or two-way repeated measures analysis of variance, and Tukey test (α = .05), depending on the method performed. Results The Sa increased significantly after brushing for all materials, except for VMA, which showed the opposite effect. ENA and VEN showed higher Rv than VMA. After 30,000 tooth brushing cycles, VMA showed the highest GU, while FSU showed the lowest. Also, little surface topography changes were observed for VMA. MH did not change significantly after 30,000 brushing cycles, except for LAV. Conclusion Brushing caused surface alterations in all tested materials except for feldspathic ceramic. The changes were more evident in resin-based materials.

The longevity of a composite resin restoration is constantly being sought in the field of dentistry. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cysteine cathepsins (CCs) in the dentin matrix when activated participate in the degradation of collagen fibrils and extracellular components. The preservation of the structural integrity of collagen and the matrix maintains the mechanical properties, chemical stability and resistance to degradation of resin-dentin bonded interface, contributing to restoration durability. Thus, it is of fundamental importance to employ methods and / or agents that promote the inactivation of MMPs and CCs to improve the chemical stability of the adhesive interface. So, several crosslinking agents have been studied (natural and synthetic), however it is observed that chitosan and proanthocyanidin show reliable results and both promote protease inactivation and provide better collagen web resistance, and thus increase the longevity of the restoration procedure.

To evaluate the in vitro effects of radiotherapy (RT) on the morphological surface of the enamel and dentin and to determine the best adhesive system and most appropriate time to restore teeth in head and neck cancer patients. Sixty third molars were cut into 120 enamel fragments and 120 dentin fragments and divided into four groups (n = 30): G1 (control): nonirradiated, only restorative procedure; G2: restorative procedure immediately before RT; G3: restorative procedure immediately after RT; and G4: restorative procedure 6 months after RT. Each group was divided into two subgroups: Adper™ Single Bond 2 (SB) and Clearfill SE Bond (CL) based on the material used. After RT and restorative procedures, the specimens were subjected to confocal microscopy and shear bond strength test. Data were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test at a significance level of 5%. Morphological changes were observed in both substrates after a cumulative dose of 40 Gy, and after 60 Gy, the changes were more evident in both substrates. CL had the highest strength values in both substrates (p

The use of erbium lasers to prevent caries in enamel has shown positive results. However, it is not known if Er,Cr:YSGG laser can also be used to increase acid resistance of root dentine, which is another dental tissue susceptible to the action of cariogenic bacteria. Objective: To analyze the effects of the Er,Cr:YSGG laser (λ=2.78 μm, 20 Hz) irradiation associated with 2% neutral sodium fluoride (NaF) to prevent root dentin demineralization. Material and Methods: One hundred human root dentin samples were divided into 10 groups (G) and treated as follows: G1: no treatment; G2: NaF; G3: laser (4.64 J/cm2) with water cooling (WC=5.4 mL/min); G4: laser (4.64 J/cm2) without WC; G5: laser (8.92 J/cm2) with WC; G6: laser (8.92 J/cm2) without WC; G7: laser (4.64 J/cm2) with WC and NaF; G8: laser (4.64 J/cm2) without WC and NaF; G9: laser (8.92 J/cm2) with WC and NaF; G10: laser (8.92 J/cm2) without WC and NaF. The NaF gel was applied alone or after 4 min of irradiation. After 14 days of acid challenge, the samples were sectioned and the Knoop microhardness (KHN) test was done at different depths (30, 60, 90 and 120 μm) from the outer dentin surface. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Fisher’s test (α=5%). Results: The results showed that G8 and G10 presented higher KHN than the G1 for the depths of 30 and 60 μm, indicating an increase of the acid resistance of the dentin in up to 35% (p

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Er:YAG laser and its association with fluoride (1.23% acidulate phosphate fluoride gel) on the prevention of enamel erosion. Sixty specimens were obtained from bovine enamel (4 × 4 mm), which were ground flat, polished, and randomly divided into five groups according to the preventive treatments: control-fluoride application; L--Er:YAG laser; L+F--laser + fluoride; F+L--fluoride + laser; L/F--laser/fluoride simultaneously. Half of the enamel surface was covered with nail varnish (control area), and the other half was pretreated with one of the preventive strategies to subsequently be submitted to erosive challenge. When the laser was applied, it was irradiated for 10 s with a focal length of 4 mm and 60 mJ/2 Hz. Fluoride gel was applied for 4 min. Each specimen was individually exposed to regular Coca-Cola® for 1 min, four times/day, for 5 days. Wear analysis was performed with a profilometer, and demineralization was assessed with an optical microscope. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test (wear)/Dunn test and ANOVA/Fisher's exact tests. The group L/F was similar to control group. The other groups showed higher wear, which did not present differences among them. In the demineralization assessment, the groups F+L and L/F showed lower demineralization in relation to the other groups. It can be concluded that none preventive method was able to inhibit dental wear. The treatments L/F and F+L showed lower enamel demineralization.

The purpose of this study was to analyze, correlate, and compare the deminerali- zation and permeability of dentin remaining after caries removal with either an Er:YAG laser, a bur, or a curette. Thirty human dentin fragments were immersed in a demineralizing solution for 20 days and were randomly divided into three groups (n 5 10) for the removal of the demineralized lesion. The groups were G1—Er:YAG laser (200 mJ/6 Hz; noncontact at 12 mm; spot: 0.63 mm), G2—Bur, and G3—Curette. The specimens were then immersed in a 10% copper sulfate solution, then in a 1% dithiooxamide alcoholic solution for 30 min and kept in ammonia vapor for 7 days. Next, the specimens were examined with optical microscopy. The amount of demineralized dentin and the level of copper ion infiltration in the dentin were quantified in lm using Axion Vision soft- ware. Data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test (p < 0.05) and Pearson's Correlation test. The analysis revealed no significant differences between the three caries removal methods in terms of their capacity to remove demineralized tissue (G1: 10.6 lm; G2: 8.4 lm; G3: 11 lm), although the laser removal generated more tissue permeability than the others methods (G1: 17.6 lm; G2: 6.6 lm; G3: 5.5 lm). The correlation between the remaining demineralized dentin and the dentin per- meability was moderate for the conventional methods and higher for the Er:YAG laser. It can therefore be concluded that the laser produced an increase in permeability that was directly pro- portional to the amount of demineralized tissue removal. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:225-230, 2013. V C 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

O objetivo deste trabalho in vitro foi avaliar a influência de diferentes agentes remineralizantes no tratamento de lesões erosivas em esmalte. Foram confeccionados espécimes de 4mmx4mm e 3 mm de espessura a partir da superfície vestibular de incisivos bovinos (n=10) e divididos aleatoriamente em 4 grupos. G1=aplicação do dentifrício remineralizante, G2= aplicação do agente potencializador remineralizante, G3= dentifrício remineralizante + agente potencializador remineralizante, G4=aplicação de verniz fluoretado (controle positivo), G5=nenhum tratamento (controle negativo). Os espécimes foram imersos em refrigerante durante um período de 10 dias. A rugosidade superficial foi analisada por meio de microscopia confocal de varredura a laser. Os dados foram analisados quanto à homogeneidade (Levene’s) e normalidade (Kolmogorov- Smirnov). Foram realizados testes paramétricos com análise de variância a dois critérios: fator tempo e fator tratamento, e pós-teste de Tukey para diferenciação das médias. Todos os testes estatísticos tiveram nível de significância de 5% (α=0,05). Os resultados obtidos mostraram diferenças estatisticamente significantes, demonstrando a redução da rugosidade da superfície do esmalte logo após o primeiro tratamento (G3) e para os demais grupos (G1, G2 e G4) somente após o segundo tratamento. Concluiu-se que a utilização de dentifrício composto por silicato de cálcio e fosfato de sódio influenciou na rugosidade do esmalte erodido do dente bovino.Palavras-chave: Dentifrícios. Erosão Dentária. Esmalte Dentário.Abstract The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of different remineralizing agents in the treatment of enamel erosive lesions. Specimens of 4mmx4mm and 3mm thickness were made from the buccal surface of bovine incisors (n=10) and randomly divided into 4 groups. G1 = application of the remineralizing dentifrice, G2 = application of the remineralizing agent, G3 = remineralizing dentifrice + remineralizing agente, G4 = application of fluoride varnish (positive control), G5 = no treatment Specimens were immersed in refrigerant solution during a period of 10 days. The surface roughness was analyzed by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy. The data were analyzed for homogeneity (Levene's) and normality (Kolmogorov-Smirnov). Parametric tests with analysis of variance were performed on two criteria: time factor and treatment factor, and Tukey post-test for differentiation of means. All tests were statistically significant at 5% (α = 0.05). The results showed statistically significant difference, demonstrating the reduction of surface roughness after the first treatment (G3) and the other groups (G1, G2 and G4) only after the second treatment. It was concluded that the use of dentifrice composed of calcium silicate and sodium phosphate influenced the roughness of the eroded tooth enamel of the bovine tooth.Keywords: Dentifrices. Tooth Erosion. Tooth Enamel.

Objectives This triple-blind, 2 × 2 crossover in situ study, was undertaken to verify whether the wear resistance of enamel and root dentine would be affected by bleaching with a 10% carbamide peroxide agent and a placebo agent. Methods Thirty slabs of each substrate (2 mm × 3 mm × 2 mm) were selected for each phase, after flattening and polishing procedures and microhardness test. After a 7-day lead-in period, one specimen of each substrate was randomly bonded on the facial surface of each one of 30 subject's upper second premolars. The volunteers received instructions on how to perform toothbrushing and application of gel in the tray. Fifteen volunteers bleached their maxillary arch with a 10% carbamide peroxide bleaching agent for a 2-week period, while the remainders used a placebo agent. After a 1-week washout period, a new set of enamel and root dentine slabs were bonded to the premolars and volunteers were crossed over to the alternate agent for 14 days. The resistance of enamel and root dentine to wear following bleaching, toothbrushing and intraoral exposure was measured with a profilometer, using reference areas. Results For enamel, ANOVA did not demonstrate significant difference between wear provided by placebo and bleaching agent ( p = 0.3713), but higher wear depth was observed for bleached root dentine ( p = 0.0346). Conclusions While overnight bleaching caused no alteration in wear resistance of enamel, root dentine showed increased tissue loss.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of low and highly concentrated bleaching agents on microhardness and surface roughness of bovine enamel and root dentin. Methods: According to a randomized complete block design, 100 specimens of each substrate were assigned into five groups to be treated with bleaching agents containing carbamide peroxide (CP) at 10% (CP10); hydrogen peroxide (HP) at 7.5% (HP7.5) or 38% (HP38), or the combination of 18% of HP and 22% of CP (HP18/CP22), for 3 weeks. The control group was left untreated. Specimens were immersed in artificial saliva between bleaching treatments. Knoop surface microhardness (SMH) and average surface roughness (Ra) were measured at baseline and post-bleaching conditions. Results: For enamel, there were differences between bleaching treatments for both SMH and Ra measurements (p = 0.4009 and p = 0.7650, respectively). SMH significantly increased (p

This study evaluated the effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser on the root canal dentin after luting a fiber post. Twenty-four bovine teeth roots were prepared using NiTi instruments and filled with Sealer 26 and gutta-percha. Post spaces were prepared and roots were distributed according to dentin treatment (n = 8): 2.5%NaOCl (group control), Er,Cr:YSGG laser (1.5 W, 20 Hz, 20 s) (group test 1) or 2.5%NaOCl + Er,Cr:YSGG laser (group test 2). Fiber posts were luted using adhesive cement (Rely X U200, 3M) and roots were prepared to confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The morphology of interface, thickness of cement, and the gaps and tags were analyzed. Non-parametrical data for thickness of cement were submitted to Friedman and Kruskall–Wallis tests (α = 0.05) and parametrical data for gaps to ANOVA (α = 0.05). CLSM of the cement thickness and gaps revealed no significant difference in surface treatment (NaOCl, Er,Cr:YSGG laser and NaOCl + Er,Cr:YSGG laser) (p > .05) and canal thirds (cervical, middle, and apical) (p > 0.05). SEM showed tags and a residual layer of cement adhered to dentin, mainly in laser-irradiated specimens. The pretreatment of root canal with Er,Cr:YSGG laser previously to luting the fiber post with a self-adhesive cement did not influence the cement thickness and gaps but affected the dentin interaction.

Objective: This study sought to evaluate whether root dentine caries-like lesions could be remineralised by saliva substitutes. Methods: Root dentine slabs (3 × 3 × 2 mm) were cut from bovine incisors, ground flat, polished and pre-tested for Knoop microhardness (KHN) at five locations spaced 500 μm apart and 500 μm from the left edge of each sectioned piece. After 60 out of the 100 slabs had been selected based upon their KHN values, specimens were coated with wax except for their outer surface. Specimens were then cycled through a highly cariogenic challenge model to induce caries-like lesions, whose formation was confirmed by KHN measurements located 500 μm from the right edge of the specimen. According to a randomised complete block design, the experimental units (n = 15) were exposed to 1.5 ml of saliva substitutes, based on either mucin (MC) or carboxymethylcellulose (CM), to natural human saliva (HS) or to 100% relative humidity (RH) over 20 days. Remineralisation was verified by KHN measurements located 1000 μm apart from the right edge of the specimen. Results: Analysis of variance indicated a significant (p

To evaluate the enamel resistance and permeability of rat teeth to acid challenges after systemic use of sodium alendronate.Eighteen Wistar rats (36 teeth), aged 36-42 days (200-230 g), were assigned into two groups: alendronate group (n = 20 teeth), which received two weekly doses of 1 mg/kg of alendronate, via gavage; and a non-alendronate group (n = 16 teeth), which received only distilled water. After 60 days, the animals were killed, the maxillary incisors were extracted and used for the artificial induction of the caries lesion (pH cycling regimen) and erosion area (immersion cycles in cola-type soft drink) and for the enamel permeability test (dye penetration). The teeth were divided into alendronate group (n = 10) or non-alendronate group (n = 8) for each test. The quantitative response variables were the percent longitudinal change in Knoop microhardness (%LMC), the enamel carious/erosion lesion area (CELA) and enamel permeability.Groups were not significantly different (p 0.05) with regard to the %LMC and enamel permeability (25.58 μm ± 12.73 and 25.40 μm ± 4.6 for the experimental and control groups, respectively). For CELA, it was not observed significant difference (p 0.05) between the non-alendronate group (24.08 ± 1.36 and 25.22 ± 1.60, for caries and erosion, respectively) and the alendronate group (25.46 ± 1.60 and 25.0 ± 1.26) for caries and erosion, respectively).Based on the methodological conditions and the presented results of this study, sodium alendronate did not affect the longitudinal microhardness, demineralisation lesion area or permeability of the enamel after acid challenge; therefore, alendronate did not become the enamel of rats more resistant.The systemic alendronate treatment for 60 days did not change the enamel of rats regarding the susceptibility to acids.

Dental caries is still the most prevalent chronic disease affecting human populations. Among the preventive treatments performed, it has been reported that laser irradiation combined with topical fluoride can induce an even greater increase in enamel caries resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Nd:YAG laser, with or without fluoride, in occlusal caries prevention of the primary dentition. A double-blind split-mouth study design was used. Fifty-two children with high caries risk (7.6 ± 1.4 years) were selected and received the following: G1--the first molar was a negative control, and the second received a resin sealant; G2--the first molar was a negative control, and the second received laser irradiation (50 mJ, 10 Hz, 0.5 W); G3--the first molar received only acidulate phosphate fluoride (APF), and the second received APF + laser; G4--fisrt molar received only fluoride varnish, and the second received fluoride varnish + laser. Patients were followed up to 12 months to evaluate the presence of white-spot lesions and/or caries cavities by three calibrated observers. Thirty-five patients completed the study. Significant differences were found between the treatment and control groups (p 0.05). The laser-alone and resin sealant resulted in statistically lower caries formation than the negative control group (p 0.05). Nd:YAG laser irradiation in primary teeth effectively prevented occlusal caries in pits and fissures when used alone with lower energy over a 1-year period.

Most studies dealing with the caries preventive action of Nd:YAG laser have been done in permanent teeth and studies on primary teeth are still lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the effect of Nd:YAG laser combined or not with fluoride sources on the acid resistance of primary tooth enamel after artificial caries induction by assessing longitudinal microhardness and demineralization depth. Sixty enamel blocks obtained from the buccal/lingual surface of exfoliated human primary molars were coated with nail polish/wax, leaving only a 9 mm² area exposed on the outer enamel surface, and randomly assigned to 6 groups (n=10) according to the type of treatment: C-control (no treatment); APF: 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride gel; FV: 5% fluoride varnish; L: Nd:YAG laser 0.5 W/10 Hz in contact mode; APFL: fluoride gel + laser; FVL: fluoride varnish + laser. After treatment, the specimens were subjected to a des-remineralization cycle for induction of artificial caries lesions. Longitudinal microhardness data (%LMC) were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test and demineralization depth data were analyzed by oneway ANOVA and Fisher’s LSD test (á=0.05). APFL and APF groups presented the lowest percentage of microhardness change (p