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

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.