Investigating the Effect of Cold Atmospheric Plasma Treatment on the Tooth Enamel Acid Resistance (In-Vitro Study)

Abstract

Introduction: Caries is the main cause of toothache. Cold atmospheric plasma can clean and disinfect the decay cavity without cutting. The purpose of the present research is Investigating the effect of cold atmospheric plasma treatment on the tooth enamel acid resistance (in-vitro study).

Methods & Materials: In this experimental-laboratory study, 42 samples with dimensions of 5 x 5 mm were prepared from the enamel of extracted human incisors. The samples were randomly divided into two groups. One of the groups was treated with cold plasma for 30 seconds (CAP group) and the other group was not treated at this stage (NO CAP group). Next, the samples of both groups were etched with 37% phosphoric acid for 30 seconds and then washed for 30 seconds. Then the samples were cut in half by ISOMET 2000 Precision Saw low speed cutting machine. The cut section of the samples was examined by scanning electron microscope and the depth of demineralization was measured from the surface to the deepest point of the enamel.

Results: The average depth of demineralization in the group prepared with cold plasma was 11.37 microns and the average depth of demineralization in the group prepared without cold plasma was 7.65 microns. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine the significance of the difference between the average depth of demineralization of the groups,. The average depth of demineralization in the group prepared with cold plasma (CAP) was significantly higher than the group without preparation with cold plasma (NO CAP). (P<0.05)

Conclusion: In the conditions of this study, preparation with cold atmospheric plasma reduces the resistance of tooth enamel to acid and increases the depth of demineralization and improves acid etching technique.