Lasers in caries and erosion prevention

Abstract

The use of laser radiation has shown benefits in different areas of human health. In Dentistry, laser radiation at high or low intensity is widely used as an adjunct strategy to the traditional therapeutic techniques in different specialties, and the observed effects depend both on the parameters of the radiation used, as well as on the tissues to be treated and their clinical condition. High intensity lasers are used for cutting both hard and soft tissues, as well as for hemostasis, vaporization, removal of decayed tissue, calculus, biofilm, and for decontamination. Also, lasers can be used for preparing dental hard tissue for prosthetic treatment, as well as to non-invasively remove ceramic or resin restorations, crowns, and laminates. Still, due to its thermal effect, lasers have shown promising results in preventing the appearance and progression of caries and erosion lesions in enamel and dentin. These thermal effects can also enhance the action of other preventive strategies, among which the topical application of fluoride stands out. The compositional effects of Nd:YAG (λ = 1,064 nm), Er:YAG (λ = 2,094 nm) and Er,Cr:YSGG (λ = 2,078 nm) laser wavelengths, applied under different conditions and in association or not with fluoride, have been evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, a non-destructive technique that allows the broad evaluation of the same sample in different periods; for this reason, it is an extremely attractive technique for monitoring the treatments. Infrared thermography was also used in order to guide the choice of safe irradiation parameters tested for future clinical use of these lasers. These aspects will be detailed in this chapter.