STRUCTURAL-CHANGES IN DENTIN INDUCED BY HIGH-ENERGY, CONTINUOUS-WAVE CARBON-DIOXIDE LASER

The effect of a continuous wave carbon dioxide laser on dentin was observed as a function of power density and exposure time utilizing a wet scanning electron microscope. Visible charring occurred for all conditions studied. Surface cratering and flaking were followed by melting of the dentin. Melting resulted in a porous layer or porous globules of resolidified material and partial sealing of the tubules. Beneath the melted zone is an area of altered dentin where the tubules appear to be filled by solidification of the melted dentin. (C) 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.