Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study aims to assess the efficacy of Er; Cr: YSGG laser operating under sub-ablative settings for the remineralization of artificially induced white spot lesions on the enamel of primary teeth, both as a standalone treatment and in conjunction with 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty primary posterior teeth were used to induce white spot lesions and were randomly divided into eight groups. The groups consisted of a negative control group (G1), a 0.75W laser irradiation group (G2), a 0.5W laser irradiation group (G3), a 0.25W laser irradiation group (G4), a positive control group with APF gel application (G5), and three groups that received laser irradiation of 0.75W, 0.5W, and 0.25W followed by APF gel application (G6, G7, and G8) respectively. Surface microhardness, SEM, and X-RD were used to evaluate the remineralization effect. RESULTS: There was a notable enhancement in surface microhardness post-treatment with the laser, APF gel, and their combination compared to the negative control group. The most pronounced increase in surface microhardness was observed in the combination treatment groups (G6, G7, and G8). SEM analysis showed increased surface roughness in groups treated with 0.75W and 0.5W laser power. X-RD assessments indicated an augmentation in crystal intensity within groups G6 and G8. CONCLUSIONS: The combined application of Er; Cr: YSGG laser under sub-ablative parameters and APF gel demonstrated a superior potential for remineralizing primary teeth enamel affected by white spot lesions. Key words:Er;Cr:YSGG laser. Sub-ablative irradiation. Remineralization. White spot lesion. APF gel. SEM. X-RD.