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 obs erved as a function of power density and exposure time utilizing a wet scanning electron microscope. Visible charring occurred for all condi tions studied. Surface cratering and flaking were followed by melting of the dentin. Melting resulted in a porous layer or porous globules o f resolidified material and partial sealing of the tubules. Beneath th e 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.