Effect of Er;Cr:YSGG laser with APF application in the prevention of primary teeth enamel demineralization. SEM and X-RD evaluation.

Abstract Purpose This study aims to compare the effect of Er;Cr:YSGG laser irradiation at sub-ablative powers with or without APF gel (1.23%) application in preventing primary teeth enamel demineralization. Methods Eighty primary posterior teeth were separated into eight study groups (n = 10). The control group is G1 (no treatment), while groups G2, G3, and G4 were treated with the Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 0.75W, 0.5W, and 0.25W at 20 Hz, 40% air/ 60% water irrigation. G6, G7, and G8 were treated with the Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 0.75W, 0.5W, and 0.25W at 20 Hz, 40% air/ 60% water irrigation, and APF gel (1.23%) application. Group G5 was treated with APF gel solely. The study samples were PH cycled for nine days after surface treatment. Sample surfaces were tested for microhardness, roughness, SEM, and X-RD. Results A significant increase in microhardness after Er;Cr:YSGG laser treatment with 0.25W and 0.5W alone or in combination with APF gel (1.23%) application with the higher demineralization reduction observed in combination treatment groups. Roughness evaluation revealed a non-significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in roughness value between the treatment groups and control group after PH cycling. Conclusion Sub-ablative Er;Cr:YSGG laser parameters can be utilized for caries inhibition and increasing enamel microhardness of primary teeth and may be suggested as an alternative to conventional methods.