A discussion was held at the Institute of Laser for Postgraduate Studies, University of Baghdad, on the Master’s thesis entitled “Enhancing Dental Caries Prevention: An Experimental Study on Carbon Dioxide Laser with CPP – ACPF Cream” submitted by the student Ayat Majid Saleh, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Su’dad Salman Ahmed and Dr. Aseel Jasim Ali.
The study aimed to reduce mineral loss and enhance the resistance of sound teeth to caries using partial CO2 laser with CPP-ACPF cream. The study was divided into three main groups:
1. Group 1 (n=65): Samples were exposed to demineralization and then treated with five protocols (control, CO2 laser only, MI varnish only, MI+CO2, CO2+MI).
2. Group 2 (n=70): Samples were treated on sound enamel first, then demineralized to create white spot lesions, and given a second dose of treatment.
3. Group 3 (n=65): Samples received two doses of treatment on sound enamel, with a three-month interval.
The study measured surface hardness, roughness, and structural changes using SEM and EDS. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests at a significance level of p=0.05.
The results showed:
– Group 1: Improvement in hardness after treatment, but without significant differences between protocols; increase in minerals, especially in combined groups.
– Group 2: The second dose significantly increased hardness, with a preference for combined protocols; roughness decreased without statistical significance; increase in minerals confirmed by EDS.
– Group 3: The two doses enhanced hardness and remineralization without destructive side effects.
The study concluded that the combination of partial CO2 laser and MI varnish enhances enamel hardness, reduces mineral loss, and supports remineralization in white spot lesions, making it a promising option for caries prevention and treatment as an alternative to traditional methods.
