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.
Sipahi
Cumhur
C
Department of Prosthodontics, Center for Dental Sciences, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. cumhursipahi@yahoo.com
Berk
Nukhet
N
Ozen
Julide
J
Atay
Arzu
A
Beydemir
Bedri
B
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