• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.611-619
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• 2005

The aim of this study was to apply the quantitative light-induced fluorescence(QLF) and use of fluorescein-enhanced QLF method for quantitative assessment of early enamel demineralization in vitro, comparing effectiveness of light sources : argon laser, halogen lamp, light emitting diode (LED) and plasma arc lamp. Sixty extracted teeth were used, prepared by gentle pumicing and coating in an acid-resistant nail-varnish, except for an exposure to a demineralizing solution. Teeth were removed at regular intervals (24, 48 and 72hrs), air-dried and QLF image were taken. Mineral loss, as measured by difference of optical density, was recorded. For dyeenhanced QLF a 0.075% sodium fluorescein dye was applied after QLF examination and mineral loss was recorded. The following result were obtained : 1. Comparing with mean difference of optical density, plasma arc lamp was higher than other light sources in all group (p<0.05). 2. Comparing each group with mean difference of optical density, there was significant different using plasma are lamp and halogen lamp. 3. For use of dye-enhanced QLF, comparing with mean difference of optical density, plasma arc lamp were higher than other light sources in all group(p<0.05). 4. With this model dye-enhanced QLF compared with QLF in optical density, dye-enhanced QLF was higher than QLF in optical density. From the results presented in this paper, it was concluded that plasma light source was more effective compared with other light source for the detection and the quantification of early enamel caries.