FT-Raman spectroscopic analysis of Nd:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiated enamel for preventive purposes

This study evaluated the effect of combining laser irradiation with fluoride on an enamel microstructure and demineralization by FT-Raman spectroscopy (FTRS). Eighty human enamel slabs were divided into eight groups: (G1) untreated; (G2) acidulated phosphate fluoride application (APF—1.23% F⁻ for 4 min); (G3) Nd:YAG irradiation (84.9 J cm⁻², 60 mJ/pulse); (G4) Nd:YAG + APF; (G5) APF + Nd:YAG; (G6) Er,Cr:YSGG irradiation (2.8 J cm⁻², 12.5 mJ/pulse); (G7) Er,Cr:YSGG + APF; and (G8) APF + Er,Cr:YSGG. After treatment, the samples were submitted to a ten-day pH-cycling model. Chemical changes were determined on the slabs before and after treatment, and also after pH-cycling, by FTRS in the range 400−4000 cm⁻¹. The inorganic bands at 440, 590, 870, 960, 1100 cm⁻¹, and the organic bands at 1270, 1450, 1670, 2945 cm⁻¹ were considered. Demineralization promoted reduction in organic contents; Nd:YAG laser irradiation promoted loss of carbonate and organic content, while Er,Cr:YSGG did not produce significant changes in the relative band intensities of organic and inorganic contents of the enamel. In lased samples, no effects caused by pH-cycling on enamel were observed. In conclusion, laser treatment and its association with fluoride can somehow interfere with the demineralization dynamics, reducing its effects over the enamel. (paper)