Tubule-occluding effect of desensitizing laser treatment on prepared dentin surfaces: an environmental SEM study.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this in vitro study was to demonstrate the dentinal tubule-occluding effect of desensitizing laser treatment on dentin surfaces using environmental scanning electron microscopy (E-SEM).


METHODS
Ground dentin surfaces were divided into 5 areas. Each area received a different mode of laser irradiation (low potency [LP] versus high potency [HP] and short time [ST] versus long time [LT]). Lased dentin surfaces were viewed and graded under E-SEM at x5000 magnification.


RESULTS
The tubule closure rates of 4 different irradiation modes were as follows: LP/LT (74%) > HP/ST (70%) > LP/ST (51%) > HP/LT (46%) > control (6%).


CONCLUSIONS
It was demonstrated that desensitizing laser application was an efficient treatment option for the occlusion of dentinal tubule apertures.
Department of Prosthodontics, Center for Dental Sciences, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. cumhursipahi@yahoo.com
Cumhur
C
Sipahi
Nukhet
N
Berk
Julide
J
Ozen
Arzu
A
Atay
Bedri
B
Beydemir
D003804:Dentin / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003807:Dentin Sensitivity / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000379:methods; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D013997:Time Factors