Influence of Er:YAG laser frequency on dentin caries removal capacity

The purposes of this study were to evaluate in vitro the influence of different frequencies of Er:YAG laser on the human dentin caries removal capacity. Thirty fragments obtained from third molars were randomly assigned into three groups (n = 10) according to the laser frequency used: 4, 6, and 10 Hz. The caries lesion (±1 mm deep) was induced before the irradiation by S.mutans cultures for 6 weeks. The specimens of all groups were irradiated with 200 mJ of energy in noncontact and focused mode under constant refrigeration (water flow: 2.5 mL/min). Quantitative analysis of the caries removal was performed by DIAGNOdent™ and the Axion Vision™ software. Qualitative analysis was performed by Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and light microscope (LM). Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Fishers' tests. The DIAGNOdent™ revealed that the caries removal was similar with 4 and 6 Hz and was superior with 10 Hz (P < 0.05). The analysis with Axion Vision™ software revealed that the caries removal was similar with 6 and 10 Hz and the 4 Hz group promoted the lowest caries removal. Through SEM morphologic analysis, some specimens irradiated with 4 Hz presented, under the demineralized dentin, a disorganized collagenous matrix. The LM images revealed that all frequencies used promoted irregular caries removal, being observed over preparations with 6 and 10 Hz. It can be concluded that the increase of Er:YAG laser frequency provided a higher dentin caries removal without selectivity to the disorganized dentin.