Nd:YAG laser effects on the occlusal surface of premolars.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate with the scanning electron microscope (SEM) the effects of a pulsed Nd: YAG laser on the occlusal surface of human premolars in vitro.


METHODS
Twenty normal premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons were used and separated in two groups. Group 1 received the irradiation at 2.0 watts, repetition rate of 20 Hz and 124.3 J/cm2 of energy density during 3 minutes, on the occlusal fissure. Group 2 received the laser irradiation in only half of the fissure.


RESULTS
The SEM analysis revealed that in the case of shallow fissures the sealing was total but in narrow and deep fissure the sealing was partial or was in complete.
Myaki
S I
SI
Departamento de Anatomia, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil.
Watanabe
I S
IS
Eduardo
C de P
Cde P
Issáo
M
M
D001641:Bicuspid; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000528:radiation effects*; D003750:Dental Fissures / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007834:Lasers; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009354:Neodymium
D009354:Neodymium