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Caries-like lesion initiation and progression around laser-cured sealants
M J Hicks1, C M Flaitz, G H Westerman
1Caries Research Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Dental Branch, Houston, Texas.
American Journal of Dentistry
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Argon laser curing of dental sealants significantly reduced caries-like lesion depth compared to visible light curing. This suggests argon laser curing enhances sealant effectiveness in preventing cavities.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Caries prevention research
- Laser dentistry
Background:
- Dental sealants are crucial for preventing pit and fissure caries.
- Polymerization method affects sealant properties and clinical efficacy.
- Visible light curing is standard, but alternative methods warrant investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare argon laser curing versus visible light curing for pit and fissure sealants.
- To evaluate the impact on caries-like lesion initiation and progression.
- To assess the effect on enamel-resin interface integrity.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of sealant polymerization using argon laser versus visible light.
- Induction of caries-like lesions in enamel adjacent to sealed surfaces.
- Measurement of primary surface lesion depth and wall lesion occurrence post-initiation and post-progression.
Main Results:
- Argon laser-cured sealants showed significantly less primary surface lesion depth (97µm vs. 151µm) after initiation (P < 0.05).
- After lesion progression, argon laser-cured sealants still demonstrated significantly less primary surface lesion depth (129µm vs. 232µm) (P < 0.05).
- Wall lesion occurrence was significantly lower in the argon laser-cured group (5% vs. 15%) after progression (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Argon laser curing of pit and fissure sealants enhances caries resistance.
- This method may improve the integrity of the enamel-resin interface.
- Argon laser curing shows potential for reducing caries formation adjacent to sealants.