Cold plasma enamel surface treatment to increase fluoride varnish uptake

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials
• Plasma Physics

Background:

• Fluoride varnish (FV) is a standard for enamel strengthening.
• Cold plasma technology offers surface modification and adhesion improvement capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance fluoride varnish adhesion to enamel using cold plasma.
• To increase fluoride uptake and prolong enamel interaction with FV.
• To provide evidence-based measurement of adhesion changes.

Main Methods:

• Bovine teeth were treated with Helium-DBD, Argon, or Air-DBD cold plasma jets.
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyzed surface morphology.
• Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) performed chemical analysis.
• Ion-selective electrode (ISE) measured fluoride ion release.

Main Results:

• Helium-DBD plasma altered enamel hexagonal structures from convex to concave without significant damage.
• Argon and Air-DBD plasma treatments caused significant enamel surface damage.
• Helium-DBD plasma increased calcium-to-phosphorus ratio and fluoride/sodium uptake.
• Fluoride ion release from FV showed no significant change post-plasma treatment.

Conclusions:

• Helium-DBD cold plasma shows promise for improving enamel surface properties and fluoride uptake.
• Combining cold plasma with fluoride varnish may enhance enamel resistance to decay.
• Further studies are needed to validate the clinical efficacy and long-term benefits.