Effect of laser radiation and sodium fluoride on the reactivity of prepared teeth

BACKGROUND: The use of esthetic restorations (metal–ceramic and metal-free) provides for the preparation of teeth within the enamel and surface or middle layers of the dentin, which entails an increase in the reactivity of teeth. One of the promising directions for increasing the resistance of the prepared teeth in the orthopedic treatment of patients using esthetic dental restorations is the combined and consistent use of fluorides and low-intensity laser radiation.

AIM: To examine the effect of low-intensity laser radiation and sodium fluoride on the reactivity of dissected vital teeth.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 2% aqueous solution of sodium fluoride was administered by electrophoresis with a portable device “Desensitron-II.” For laser exposure, a dental laser device “Optodan” was used in the first (anti-inflammatory) mode of operation. The research material was the results of orthopedic treatment of 120 patients aged 20–39 years (57 men and 63 women). To assess the initial state of teeth reactivity and the effect of the therapeutic measures, the sensitivity of the teeth to temperature (thermoreactivity of the teeth), mechanical (sliding tangent test), and electrical (electrodontometry) influences was investigated.

RESULTS: In the third group, the studied indicators before fixation demonstrated the maximum improvement in indicators relative to the data obtained in other groups.

CONCLUSIONS: The combined sequential effect of low-intensity laser radiation and sodium fluoride reduces the reactivity of the prepared teeth while significantly improving the indicators of electrical excitability of the pulp and increasing the pain threshold in relation to temperature and mechanical stimuli.