Effect of a new carbon dioxide laser treatment on dissolution profiles of dental enamel

Previous studies have shown that pretreatment of dental enamel by specific carbon dioxide laser conditions inhibited subsequent acid dissolution of the enamel surface. The aim of the present study was to examine the dissolution profiles following irradiation by a new short pulse carbon dioxide laser treatment. Bovine enamel blocks were irradiated at 9.6 mum with a 5-8 mus or a 20-30 mus pulse duration laser using overlapping spots, and a range of fluences. Dissolution profiles were measured in an acetate buffer. Higher fluences produced rapid initial dissolution followed by a plateau with a low dissolution rate. For caries inhibition purposes the high solubility decomposition phases need to be avoided or removed.