Protective Effects of Er:YAG Laser and PRG Pro‐Care Gel on Enamel Demineralization

Vollständiger Abstract

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ABSTRACT Objectives Bioactive surface pre‐reacted glass‐ionomer (S‐PRG) technology and high‐power laser irradiation have been investigated as promising preventive approaches. S‐PRG particles exhibit multifunctional bioactive glass properties, with the ability to release and recharge ions. High‐power laser irradiation of dental enamel induces chemical and structural modifications that enhance enamel resistance. Thus, this study evaluated the effect of Er:YAG laser irradiation, used alone or combined with the bioactive PRG Pro‐Care gel, on the reduction of enamel demineralization under cariogenic challenge. Methods Human enamel specimens were randomly assigned to five groups ( n = 12): control (C), Herjos prophylactic paste (H), laser (L), PRG Pro‐Care gel (PRG), and laser + PRG Pro‐Care gel (LP). After the treatments, the blocks were subjected to an 8‐day pH cycling protocol. The percentage of surface hardness loss (%SHL) was determined through surface microhardness analysis and qualitative analysis was performed by scanning electronic microscopy. Results Groups L, PRG, and LP showed a significant reduction in mineral loss compared with the control group ( p < 0.05), with the LP protocol being superior to PRG alone ( p = 0.002). No statistically significant difference was observed between groups L and LP ( p = 0.928). Group H did not differ significantly from group C− ( p = 0.205). Treated groups presented physical surface alterations after irradiation and bioactive treatment. Conclusions Er:YAG laser irradiation, whether used alone or in combination with the PRG gel, promoted a significant protective effect against enamel demineralization, indicating its potential clinical application in the prevention of dental caries.