Nd:YAG laser in caries prevention: one year follow up

Objectives: The aim of this controlled clinical study was to evaluate the Nd:YAG laser effect in occlusal caries prevention of primary and permanent dentition. 

Methods: A double-blind experimental study design was used. Children with high caries hisk and  sound primary and permanent molars were selected to this study. After parents authorization the treatments were performed, in which four quadrants in the subjects was randomly assigned to receive one of the following protocols: treatment 1 – first primary molar is negative control, second primary molar and first permanent molar received a resin sealant; treatment 2 – first primary molar is negative control, second primary molar and first permanent molar received laser irradiation (100mJ 5 Hz - 0,5W); treatment 3 – first primary molar receive only APF (positive control 1), second primary molar and first permanent molar received APF + laser irradiation (100mJ 5 Hz - 0,5W); treatment 4 – first primary molar receive only fluoride varnish (positive control 2), second primary molar and first permanent molar received fluoride varnish + laser irradiation (100mJ 5 Hz – 0.5W). Recalls were made after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months in order to evaluate the formation of white-spot lesions or caries cavities by three calibrated appraisers. Data were analyzed by Wilcoxon and Chi-square tests.

Results: For all periods assessed no significant difference was found between the treatments proposed (p>0.05), however in control groups it were observed a higher number of caries cavities formation (negative control: 14.28%, positive control 1: 7.15% and positive control 2: 17.86%).

Conclusions: These results suggest that laser enamel irradiation and resin sealant were adequate for occlusal dental caries prevention in primary and permanent dentition.