Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy of Iontophoresis with 0.33% Sodium Fluoride Gel and Diode Laser Alone on Occlusion of Dentinal Tubules

Comparison of the Effects of Gluma Gel, Sensodyne Repair and Protect Toothpaste, and an 810 nm Low Power Diode Laser on the Closure of Dentinal Tubules: An In Vitro Study

Introduction: One of the common problems among dental patients is tooth hypersensitivity. There are various treatments for hypersensitivity, such as gels, solutions, toothpaste, and laser treatments. This report examined the effect of three treatments, namely 810 nm wavelength diode laser, Gluma gel, and Sensodyne Repair and Protect toothpaste, on tooth hypersensitivity. Methods: This experimental survey selected 40 premolars free of caries, fractures, restorations, root canal therapy, or wear. The enamel of the midline in the cervical part of the buccal surface was removed by a bur (the area was 2*2 mm and the depth was 2 mm), and the samples were then prepared and divided into four groups. Sensodyne Repair and Protect toothpaste, Gluma gel, and an 810 nm diode laser with 0.5 W power were applied to three groups of teeth. The samples were analyzed by using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The data from the occluded dentinal tubules, partially occluded tubules, and open tubules were analyzed by using the Tamhane test. Results: The amount of occluded dentinal tubules was 83.2±9% in the laser group, 74.4±11.62% in the Gluma group, 67.1±18% in the Sensodyne group, and 15.03±3.39% in the control group. The difference between the treatment groups and the control group was meaningful (P<0.05). However, the difference between the Gluma group, the Sensodyne group, and the 810 nm laser group was not significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: The three treatments (810 nm diode laser, Gluma, and Sensodyne) were all effective in occluding dentinal tubules compared to the control group. However, there was no significant difference between these three treatment methods (P>0.05).

The Synergistic Effect of Ozonated Oil and Desensitising Toothpaste on Dentinal Tubule Occlusion: An In Vitro Study

Introduction Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is the most common problem encountered by clinicians. It can be managed either by blocking neural activities or by occluding tubules. Ozonated oil facilitates the simple passage of desensitizing agents into dentinal tubules. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ozonated oil on dentinal tubule occlusion before and after the application of desensitizing toothpaste. Materials and methods The study was carried out in Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences, KIIT (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, India. The sample size of the study was 80. The first group contained specimens for control. The second group comprised specimens treated with ozonated oil. The third group comprised specimens being treated with a desensitizing agent. The fourth group contained specimens treated with both the desensitizing agent and ozonated oil. The specimens then received an acid challenge. The specimens were observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) before any therapy, after the application of the therapeutic agents and after the 37.5% ortho-phosphoric acid challenge. Results Inferential statistics to compare between the groups was calculated using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistics. Post-hoc Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) was performed to compare the groups. The mean scores of the partial tubular occlusion of Group 1, Group 2, Group 3 and Group 4 before the acid challenge were 0.035, 0.691, 0.564 and 0.368, respectively. The maximum score was obtained in the case of Group 2, which was statistically significant. The mean scores for partial tubule occlusion after the acid challenge for Group 1, Group 2, Group 3 and Group 4 were 0.055, 0.531, 0.733 and 0.142, respectively. There was evidence of maximum partial tubule occlusion after the acid treatment in the case of Group 3. The mean scores of Group 1, Group 2, Group 3 and Group 4 before the acid challenge were 0.019, 0.309, 0.442 and 0.609, respectively. The maximum score was obtained in the case of Group 4, implying a greater number of total tubular occlusions before the acid challenge. The mean scores of the total tubular occlusions after the acid challenge for Group 1, Group 2, Group 3 and Group 4 were 0.047, 0.465, 0.272 and 0.890, respectively. There was evidence of maximum tubule occlusion in the case of Group 4, which was statistically significant. Conclusion Overall, the application of a desensitizing toothpaste with ozonated oil holds promise as a potentially more effective treatment approach for DH. Further research and clinical studies may be needed to fully validate its efficacy and safety in dental practice.

Effect of Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) Laser Enamel Pre-Treatment on the Whitening Efficacy of a Bleaching Agent

BACKGROUND

There are a number of different substances and treatments that are effective in mitigating the negative effects of tooth bleaching. It is essential, however, to consider whether or not the presence of these factors affects the efficiency of the bleaching agent.

AIM

The purpose of this study is to determine how the pretreated enamel with a Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser affects the bleaching effect of hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 35%.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Thirty samples were prepared from human-extracted permanent anterior teeth and stained using a tea solution. Based on the pre-treatment protocol, the samples were split into two equal groups (n = 15): In Group I, samples were submerged in saline solution for five minutes, while in Group II, Nd:YAG laser treatment was performed. Following pretreatment, samples from both groups were bleached with 35% hydrogen peroxide. Colour analysis of all samples was done before and after bleaching using a spectrophotometer. For the colour analysis, the CIE L*a*b* (Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage) System of colour measurement was used. For statistical analysis, Student t-tests (two-tailed, unpaired) were used to compare the means of two groups on a continuous scale.

RESULTS

Samples from both groups became lighter in colour following bleaching. After bleaching, there was no discernible difference in the total colour change between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The application of the Nd:YAG laser before bleaching did not influence the whitening efficacy of 35% hydrogen peroxide.

Comparative Evaluation of Influence of Nd:YAG Laser (1064 nm) and 980 nm Diode Laser on Enamel around Orthodontic Brackets: An In Vitro Study

(1) Background: The prevention of demineralizing lesions at the enamel structure level continues to represent a challenge in daily dental practice. When bacteria influence the pH level, this will decrease below the threshold for remineralization and the dissociation of hydroxyapatite will occur with a high percentage of phosphate and calcium loss. These elements continue to be studied by many authors in order to obtain a working protocol that will lead to their stabilization at the level of the enamel structure, thus preventing the demineralization process. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the influence of two types of laser wavelengths on the surface morphology and mineral components of the enamel through an examination with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX). (2) Methods: Thirty permanent human incisors extracted for periodontal reasons from patients aged 25−40 years old were selected for this study. Metallic brackets (SS Standard 022 Slot, OC Orthodontics, McMinnville, OR, 97128, USA) were bonded onto each tooth. The buccal surface was randomly assigned three sections: Section A—negative control (no treatment), section B—treated with 980 nm Gallium−Aluminum−Arsenide diode laser (a 300 µm optic fiber was used with 0.8 W output power, energy density of 5.33 J/mm2, in continuous mode, for 30 s, oriented perpendicularly to the enamel surface in contact mode) (KaVo GENTLEray 980 Diode Laser, Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH, Biberach, Germany), and section C—treated with Nd:YAG laser (a 300 µm fiber was carried out at a 1 mm distance from the enamel surface with 0.75 W power, 75 mJ pulse energy, pulse repetition rate of 10 Hz, 5 J/mm2 fluency, average exposure time of 30 s, and water cooling assisted) (LIGHTWALKER AT S, M021-5AF/1 S, Fotona d.o.o, Ljubljana, Slovenia). The elements evaluated in this study were calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), oxygen (O), and carbon (C). A one-way analysis of variance, paired t-tests, and independent t-tests were carried out to evaluate the results using the SPSS 19 IBM Statistical package software for Microsoft. (3) Results: The evaluation of the data indicated that both wavelengths produced an increase in Ca wt% (for diode laser the mean of Ca wt% before irradiation was 21.06, while that after treatment reached 28.24; and for Nd:YAG laser, the mean of Ca wt% before irradiation was 21.31, while that after treatment reached 33.88); as well, the 980 nm diode laser decreased P wt% (from 17.20 before irradiation to 16.92 after irradiation) and the Nd:YAG laser increased P wt% (from 17.46 before irradiation to 18.28 after irradiation). These results showed a statistically significant difference at the p < 0.05 level. (4) Conclusions: It can be concluded that the best improvement of enamel chemical composition was obtained with Nd:YAG irradiation.

Effect of Diode Laser versus a Combination of Sodium Trimetaphosphate with Polyacrylic Acid on Obliteration of Dentinal Tubules: An In Vitro Study

BACKGROUND: Irradiation with diode laser and biomimetic remineralization are important methods in the treatment of hypersensitivity and dentin remineralization. AIM: The aim of the study was evaluation of the effect of diode laser versus the effect of sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) with polyacrylic acid (PAA) on obliteration of dentinal tubules (DT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty dentin discs with a thickness of 2 mm were prepared and conditioned with EDTA for 15 s. Then, all dentin discs were divided into three main groups (20 discs each) according to the treatment method; control, diode laser treated, and STMP with PAA group (biomimetic group). Each group was subdivided into four subgroups (five discs each) according to the storage time; 2 h (To), 1 month (T1), 2 months (T2), and 3 months (T3), respectively. All samples were prepared to be analyzed after each time interval using environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). Comparison of differences of DT obliteration percentage made on each group before and after the treatment were performed using computer-assisted digital image analysis. RESULTS: Control group showed the least DT obliteration percentage, the samples of laser group recorded statistically significant increase in DT obliteration percentage at To in comparison to the biomimetic group. Meanwhile, at T1, there was no statistically significant difference between both laser and biomimetic groups. However, statistically significant decrease was recorded in laser group at T2 and T3, respectively. CONCLUSION: Irradiation with diode laser and biomimetic remineralization using PAA with STMP are a promising methods to obliterate opened DT effectively.

Comparative Efficacy of Diode, Nd:YAG and Er:YAG Lasers Accompanied by Fluoride in Dentinal Tubule Obstruction

Introduction: Recently, the management of dentin hypersensitivity by lasers has gained special attention. This study aimed to assess and compare the efficacy of the 980 nm diode, Nd:YAG and Er:YAG lasers accompanied by fluoride in dentinal tubule obstruction. Methods: Twenty sound single-rooted human teeth were used for this invitro study. Forty dentinal discs were prepared of the roots and etched with 6% citric acid. One layer of fluoride varnish was applied over their surface. The sections were randomly allocated into 4 groups. The control group received no laser irradiation. Group 2 underwent 980 nm diode laser irradiation with 0.5 W power. Group 3 underwent Nd:YAG laser irradiation with 0.5 W power and group 4 underwent Er:YAG laser irradiation with 0.5 W power. All samples were then inspected under a scanning electron microscope, and the number of obstructed dentinal tubules and the diameter of open dentinal tubules in the field were determined. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's test were used for data analysis at a significance level of 0.05. Results: All three laser types decreased the number of open dentinal tubules significantly compared to the control group (P<0.05). No significant difference was noted in dentinal tubule obstruction between the three laser groups (P>0.05). The diameter of open tubules in the three laser groups did not show a significant difference from that in the control group. Conclusion: All three types of lasers evaluated in this study can effectively obstruct the dentinal tubules.

Effect of tooth-brushing with a microcurrent on dentinal tubule occlusion

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether tooth-brushing with a microcurrent was effective in inducing dentinal tubule occlusion. The specific aims of the study were (1) to evaluate the effectiveness of tooth-brushing with a microcurrent on dentinal tubule occlusion by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM); and (2) to compare the dentinal fluid flow rate after tooth-brushing with a microcurrent by using a sub-nanoliter-scaled fluid flow measuring device (NFMD). All experimental groups showed partially occluded dentinal tubules and crystal-like structures at a specific microcurrent intensity indicated that tooth-brushing with a microcurrent could efficiently occlude dentinal tubules. The decrease in dentinal fluid flow rate in the tooth-brushing with microcurrents group indicated that dentinal tubules were occluded and the flow of dentinal fluid had decreased.

Evaluation of the Effects of 810 nm Diode Laser Alone and in Combination With Gluma© and Chromophore on Dentinal Tubule Occlusion: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Analysis

Introduction: Tooth hypersensitivity is among the most common patient complaints caused by the response of exposed dentin to external stimuli. No definite treatment has been suggested so far for dentin hypersensitivity (DH). This study aimed to compare the efficacy of the diode laser alone and in combination with Gluma and chromophore in occluding opened dentine tubules and the treatment of DH. Methods: This in vitro study was conducted on 30 extracted human third molars kept in 0.1% thymol solution. The teeth were mounted in transparent acrylic resin and the buccal enamel was cut to expose the outer third of dentin. The samples were then divided into 6 groups of negative control (no smear layer removal), positive control (smear layer removal with 6% citric acid application), 810 nm diode laser irradiation (energy density 55.55 J/cm2 , 1 W for 20 seconds in a continuous mode), chromophore (1 mg/mL indocyanine green, ICG) plus diode laser irradiation (1 W, 20 seconds), Gluma plus diode laser irradiation, and Gluma + chromophore + diode laser. Dentinal tubules were evaluated under a scanning electron microscope at x2000 magnification. The mean percentage of the obstruction of dentinal tubules was reported as mean and standard deviation. Considering the normal distribution of the data, two-way ANOVA was applied to compare the efficacy of treatments, and an independent-samples t test was used for pairwise comparisons at P<0.05 level of significance. Results: The highest mean percentage of the obstruction of dentinal tubules was noted in the diode laser/chromophore/Gluma group (65.68±12.31%) while the lowest value was noted in the diode laser/Gluma group (24.33±5.90%). Pairwise comparisons revealed significant differences between all groups (P <0.05) except for the difference between the laser/Gluma/chromophore and laser/ chromophore groups (P =0.20). Conclusion: It seems that chromophore increases the efficacy of the diode laser for the obstruction of dentinal tubules.

Dentinal Hypersensitivity Treatment Using Diode Laser 980 nm: In Vivo Study

The discomfort of patients due to dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) is one of the main challenges that dentists face in daily practice. Difficulties in DH treatment gave rise to many protocols which are currently used. The aim of this clinical study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a new protocol on the reduction of dentinal hypersensitivity with diode laser 980 nm and the application of a graphite paste. 184 patients enrolled in the study, the degree of pain was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS), graphite paste was applied on the exposed dentine before irradiation, the application of diode laser 980 nm with continuous mode, backward motion, tangential incidence of the beam in non-contact mode and a delivery output of 1 W. Fiber’s diameter was 320 μm and total exposure time depended on the time necessary to remove the graphite paste from the teeth. Statistical analyses were performed with Prism 5^® software. Pain in post-operative significantly decreased immediately after the treatment. Mean values stayed stable until a 6-month follow-up. The application is considered to be safe with long-term effectiveness.

Selected Medicines Used in Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis is a non-invasive method of systemic and local drug delivery using an electric field. Iontophoresis enables diffusion of the selected drug via skin, mucosa, enamel, dentin, and other tissues. The amount of delivered therapeutic molecules is about 10⁻2000 times greater than conventional forms of delivery. Among other fields, this method is used in dentistry, ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology, and dermatology. According to related literature, the most important drugs studied or administered by iontophoresis are: Local anesthetics, opioids, steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibacterial drugs, antifungal drugs, antiviral drugs, anticancer drugs, fluorides, and vitamins. The present review covers current available data regarding the selected medicines used in iontophoresis. Furthermore, indications and conditions of iontophoresis application are reviewed.

Iontophoretic Drug Delivery in the Oral Cavity

Iontophoresis is a noninvasive method to enhance systemic and local drug delivery by the application of an electric field. For systemic drug delivery in the oral cavity, iontophoresis was studied primarily for transbuccal delivery. Significant enhancement of drug delivery was observed in buccal iontophoresis compared to passive transport for different drugs. For local drug delivery in the oral cavity, iontophoresis could enhance drug penetration into the enamel, dentin, and other oral tissues for the treatment of oral diseases. Iontophoresis was evaluated in dentistry such as to produce local anesthesia and treat tooth decalcification and hypersensitivity, but this technology has not been fully utilized. The most common drugs in these evaluations were fluoride and lidocaine. In general, there is limited knowledge of the mechanisms of iontophoresis in the oral tissues. In vivo animal and human studies have suggested that iontophoresis is safe in the oral cavity under the conditions investigated. The present review covers the topics of iontophoretic drug delivery in the oral cavity for both systemic and local treatments. The anatomy and diseases in the oral cavity for iontophoretic drug delivery are also briefly reviewed, and the challenges for this drug delivery method are discussed.