In Vitro Comparison of the Effects of Diode Laser and CO(2) Laser on Topical Fluoride Uptake in Primary Teeth

OBJECTIVES: Fluoride therapy is important for control and prevention of dental caries. Laser irradiation can increase fluoride uptake especially when combined with topical fluoride application. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of CO(2) and diode lasers on enamel fluoride uptake in primary teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty human primary molars were randomly assigned to four groups (n=10). The roots were removed and the crowns were sectioned mesiodistally into buccal and lingual halves as the experimental and control groups. All samples were treated with 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish. The experimental samples in the four groups were irradiated with 5 or 7W diode or 1 or 2W CO(2) laser for 15 seconds and were compared with the controls in terms of fluoride uptake, which was determined using an ion selective electrode after acid dissolution of the specimens. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16 using ANOVA treating the control measurements as covariates. RESULTS: The estimated amount of fluoride uptake was 59.5± 16.31 ppm, 66.5± 14.9 ppm, 78.6± 12.43 ppm and 90.4± 11.51 ppm for 5W and 7 W diode and 1W and 2 W CO(2) lasers, respectively, which were significantly greater than the values in the conventional topical fluoridation group (P<0.005). There were no significant differences between 7W diode laser and 1W CO(2) laser, 5W and 7W diode laser, or 1W and 2W CO(2) laser in this regard. CONCLUSION: The results showed that enamel surface irradiation by CO(2) and diode lasers increases the fluoride uptake.