Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences

Abstract

Introduction: Currently, the main focus of caries control measures is on methods for early
detection and non-invasive treatment of incipient lesions. The present study aimed to compare
the efficacy of a toothpaste containing Actimins and an Er,Cr:YSGG laser on the microhardness
of demineralized enamel.
Methods: Forty maxillary and mandibular primary posterior teeth with sound buccal or lingual surfaces were evaluated in this in vitro study. After measuring their baseline microhardness, the teeth were immersed in a demineralizing solution for 48 hours, and their microhardness was measured again. The teeth were then randomly divided into 5 groups of negative control (artificial saliva), positive control [1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF)], Actimins, Er,Cr:YSGG laser (0.75 W power, 20 Hz frequency, 60% water, 40% air, and 60 s pulse duration), and Actimins plus Er,Cr:YSGG laser, and underwent microhardness measurement for the third time after the intervention. The microhardness data were compared by an ANOVA and a Bonferroni test with the significance level set at 0.05.
Results: The toothpaste containing 5% Actimins and the Er, Cr: YSGG laser significantly enhanced the remineralization of primary enamel incipient lesions. The lowest mean microhardness at baseline, after demineralization, and after remineralization was noted in the artificial saliva group. No significant difference was found in microhardness between the groups at baseline or after demineralization (P>0.05).
Conclusion: According to the results, the toothpaste containing 5% Actimins and the Er,Cr:YSGG laser significantly enhanced the remineralization of primary enamel incipient lesions.