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Abstract
This study evaluated the resistance to demineralization and fluoride incorporation of enamel irradiated with Er:YAG. A total of 110 bovine teeth were selected and divided into eight groups: unlased, 37% phosphoric acid, and samples irradiated with the Er:YAG laser at several fluences (31.84 J/cm2, 25.47 J/cm2, 19.10 J/cm2, 2.08 J/cm2, 1.8 J/cm2, and 0.9 J/cm2). The application of acidulated phosphate fluoride was performed after treatments. All samples were immersed in 2 ml of 2.0 M acetic-acetate acid solution at pH 4.5 for 8 h, and fluoride, calcium, and phosphorus ions dissolved were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry and spectrophotometry. The phosphoric acid and 31.84 J/cm2 groups presented the lowest dissolution of calcium and phosphorus ions. Higher fluoride incorporation was observed on 1.8 J/cm2 and 0.9 J/cm2 groups. Based on these results, Er:YAG laser was able to decrease acid dissolution and increase fluoride uptake and can be a promissory alternative for preventive dentistry. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]