Title: Laser application on early-stage caries lesions
Abstract:
Dental caries is still the most common oral disease throughout the world. The first clinical sign of dental caries is the appearance of a white spot lesion on the tooth surface that can be considered the initial stage of enamel demineralization. If suitable treatment is presented to these lesions, enamel caries is capable to arrest, reharden and reverse to the healthy enamel condition via a remineralization process involving the diffusion of minerals into the defective tooth structure. The remineralization treatment is usually performed with fluoride or other remineralizing agents, which can be combined with lasers to enhance their effects. It has been demonstrated that the application of high power lasers are effective in promoting enamel remineralization. As high-energy lasers are greatly absorbed by water and hydroxyapatite of the tooth tissues, they are capable to modify the crystalline structure, acid solubility and permeability of the tooth surface and thereby increasing its resistance against demineralization. This presentation will provide an overview of the role of laser technology in the clinical management of caries, assuring that minimally invasive procedures can be used to treat caries lesions.
