Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Evaluation of Tooth Surface Irradiated by Different Parameters of Erbium: Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (Er:YAG) Laser

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis of tooth surface irradiated by different parameters of Er:YAG laser.METHODS: ۱۵ caries-free extracted human third molars were used in this study. The teeth were put into ۵ groups for laser irradiation as follows: Group ۱ (power: ۲.۵ W, Energy: ۲۵۰ mJ); Group ۲(power: ۳ W, Energy: ۳۰۰ mJ); Group ۳ (power: ۳.۵ W, Energy: ۳۵۰ mJ); Group ۴ (power: ۴ W, Energy: ۴۰۰ mJ); Group ۵ (power: ۴.۵ W, Energy: ۴۵۰ mJ). All samples were prepared by repetition rate of ۱۰ Hz. Then,the samples were prepared for SEM examination.RESULTS: The SEM images showed cleaned ablated surface and exposed dentinal tubules, without production of smear layer.CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that Er:YAG laser can be an alternative technique for surface treatment and can be considered as safe as the conventional methods,like turbine and bur. Keywords: dentinal tubules laser scanning electron microscopy.