Enamel caries prevention on pit and fissures using Er:yag laser

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess in vitro Er:YAG laser efficacy in low energy mode and different repetition rates and water flow for caries prevention on pits and fissures. Methods: Forty five caries-free enamel occlusal sections were randomly divided into nine groups: G1 – no treatment (control) and experimental groups treated with Er:YAG laser energy of 60mJ (40.3 J/cm) G2 – 2Hz / no water flow; G3 – 2Hz / 0.5ml/sec; G4 – 2Hz / 1ml/sec; G5 – 2Hz / 1.5ml/sec; G6 – 3Hz / no water flow; G7 – 3Hz / 0.5ml/sec; G8 – 3Hz / 1ml/sec; G9 – 3Hz / 1.5ml/sec. After the surface treatment, the samples were submitted to an acid challenge that consisted of a 10-day immersion in demineralizing (6 h) and remineralizing solution (18 h). Next, a microhardness test was performed. Results: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Fisher's tests were performed (Alpha=5%). There was no statistical difference between Group 1(control) (205.41), 3 (182.16), 4 (181.66), 5 (194.08), 8 (169.91) and 9 (192.25). The groups 2 (149.58), 6 (141.66) and 7 (171.75) present higher mineral loss compared with control group and there was no statistical difference between them. Conclusion: The findings of the present study revealed that Er:YAG laser, even in low energy mode, is not effective for caries prevention on pits and fissures.