In vivo caries-like lesion prevention with argon laser: Pilot study

Objective: This clinical pilot study was conducted to investigate the effec tiveness of argon laser irradiation to reduce demineralization or loss of t ooth structure in vivo. Summary Background Data: In vitro research previous ly demonstrated the ability of argon laser irradiation to reduce deminerali zation or loss of tooth structure. Methods: Using the Ogaard model of produ cing demineralization, the experimental teeth were irradiated with argon la ser of 250 mW (producing approximately 12 J/cm(2)) prior to banding. Polari zed light evaluation of the sectioned, extracted teeth was used to determin e the amount of demineralization. Results: Results showed a 29.1% reduction in demineralization in the experimental teeth as compared to the bilateral control teeth. Conclusion: Low-power argon laser irradiation significantly reduced demineralization clinically.