Sub-ablative laser irradiation to prevent acid demineralisation of dental enamel. A systematic review of literature reporting in vitro studies

Authors

  • G Lombardo Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Perugia, Perugia
  • S Pagano Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Perugia, Perugia
  • S Cianetti Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Perugia, Perugia
  • B Capobianco Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Perugia, Perugia
  • M Orso Health Planning Service, Department of Epidemiology, Regional Health Authority of Umbria
  • P Negri Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Perugia, Perugia
  • M Paglia Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Italian Stomatologic Institute, Milan
  • S Friuli Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Italian Stomatologic Institute, Milan
  • L Paglia Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Italian Stomatologic Institute, Milan
  • R Gatto Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Division of Implantology and Prosthetic Dentistry, Dental Clinic, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2019.20.04.07

Keywords:

Caries prevention, Enamel demineralisation, Laser, Sub-ablative energy

Abstract

AIM: Caries lesions begin with enamel acid demineralisation mediated by microorganisms. Lasers with sub-ablative energy might act as a prophylactic intervention to reinforce enamel against lesions caused by acid. MATERIALS: A systematic review of the literature was performed evaluating only in vitro studies published from 2010 to 2018. The research was performed using the following databases: Medline, Embase and the Web Of Science. A further search was performed consulting the list of references of the included studies as well as book chapters which dealt with this topic. CONCLUSION: The in vitro studies that examined the prophylactic use of lasers for increasing enamel acid resistance presented interesting results that are enough to support a further in vivo experiment. This would entail the use of a clinical laser as an alternative or in combination with fluoride-based interventions.