The effect of diode laser in preventing enamel demineralization in permanent dentition (an in-vitro study)

Objective: The current study tested the ability of a low power (1 watt) diode laser of wavelength (940 nm) to prevent enamel white spot lesions (WSL). Materials and Methods: A total of 30 sound natural human premolars were used and were divided into three groups (10 teeth in each group); Group 1 (control group) without any applications, Group 2 coated with fluoride varnish, and Group 3 treated with a diode laser. Samples were then subjected to a cariogenic solution for 1 week. The labial surfaces for each group were evaluated under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to evaluate the morphological changes that occurred on all enamel surfaces. Results : The collected data were subjected to One-Way ANOVA followed by Tukey‘s honestly significant difference test, and the results revealed a significant difference in the average mean intensity between the control group (Group 1) and the laser-treated group (Group 3), as well as between the control group and the fluoride-treated group (Group 2), while the least statistically significant result was recorded for Group 1 (control group). Conclusions: According to the SEM images, preventive effect of Fluoride for WSLs on enamel surface remains better than that of the diode laser (940 nm).