ABSTRACT
Abstract Quality of life drastically diminished after radiotherapy due to radiation induced oral complications. Fluoride was found to be helpful in decreasing the incidence of radiation caries; however it has not led to elimination of dental caries. Thus, new techniques containing low fluoride concentration or not containing fluoride at all, as laser irradiation, have been studied to prevent the beginning or progression of caries. So the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of laser surface treatment with or without fluoride on microhardness and ultrastructure of demineralized gamma irradiated enamel; Thirty enamel slabs were allocated into three groups (n=10): G slabs were subjected to gamma irradiation only; GL slabs were subjected to gamma irradiation followed by diode laser and GFL slabs were subjected to gamma irradiation followed by fluoride then diode laser. Slabs were then exposed to demineralizing solution for 72 hours. Examination of slabs was performed using vickers microhardness test and scanning electron microscope; The lowest microhardness was recorded in group G, while inGL and GFL groups it significantly increased. Scanning electron microscope revealed a pronounced loss of central prism core and retention of prism peripheries in group G. Confluence of prismatic and interprismatic structures in GL slabs and irregular rough surface with prismatic boundaries conservation in GFL slabs were detected. Applying laser improved the microhardness and counteracted the adverse effect of gamma radiation. Adding fluoride before laser irradiation had a marked effect on microhardness..