Effects of Treatment Combining 9300 nm Carbon Dioxide Lasers and Fluoride on Prevention of Enamel Caries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

• Main Authors: Vicky Wenqing Xue, Irene Shuping Zhao, Iris Xiaoxue Yin, John Yun Niu, Edward Chin Man Lo, Chun Hung Chu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-04-01
• Series: Applied Sciences
• Subjects: fluoride; caries; prevention; laser; enamel; demineralization
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/9/3996

The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the literatures on the effect of treatment combining 9300 nm carbon dioxide (CO₂) lasers and fluoride on prevention of enamel caries. A literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The keywords were ((9300 nm) OR (9.3 µm) OR (carbon dioxide laser) OR (carbon dioxide lasers) OR (CO₂ laser) OR (CO₂ lasers)) AND ((fluoride) OR (fluorides)) AND ((dental caries) OR (caries) OR (remineralization) OR (remineralization) OR (demineralization) OR (demineralization)). Meta-analysis was performed to compare the change in mineral content by laser irradiation and fluoride treatment (F + L) with that of fluoride treatment (F) and laser treatment (L). The search identified 946 potential publications and five laboratory studies using a chemical model for cariogenic challenge and determining mineral loss of the enamel were included in this review. Meta-analysis comparing F + L with L on enamel showed a standard mean difference of −1.58 (CI: −2.13, −1.03). Meta-analysis comparing F + L with F on enamel showed a standard mean difference of −1.84 (CI: −2.30, −1.39), with low heterogeneity (I² = 49%, <i>p</i> = 0.04). In conclusion, F + L was better than L and F in preventing enamel demineralization.