Conventional and experimental treatments for pit and fissure sealing associated with ND:YAG laser

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of different treatments for sealing pits and fissures (FF) on enamel surface against artificial caries lesions. Material and methods: Thirty sound human premolar crowns were randomly divided into six groups (n = 5), according to FF treatment: C, control (no treatment); L, irradiation with Nd:YAG laser (80 mJ/10 Hz/1064 nm/60 s); F, FluroShield (Dentsply); F+L, FluroShield + Nd:YAG laser; HA+A, hydroxyapatite powder bonded to the adhesive system (Universal Single Bond, 3M ESPE); and HA+A+L, hydroxyapatite mixing associated with laser irradiation. After treatment, the samples were immersed in artificial caries solution for 14 days. Occlusal surfaces were evaluated by laser fluorescence before and after treatments in order to confirm caries formation. Samples were sectioned longitudinally to prepare slides for polarized light microscopy evaluation, to provide three measurements of the depth of caries cavities formed. Data were submitted to one-way ANOVA, Tukey tests (p < 0.05), and Dunnett’s test to compare variables. Results: ANOVA showed statistically significant differences among groups (p = 0.04). Group L differed significantly from group C. The other treatments showed no statistically significant differences between groups. Conclusion: Treatment with Nd:YAG laser presented greater pit and fissure sealing of incipient caries lesions.