title: The effect of CO2 Laser on the permeability of dentinal tubules: a preliminary in vitro study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine whether there is a change in dentin permeability following 9.6-microm CO(2) laser irradiation and high-speed drilling.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty permanent, intact, non-carious molars were selected. The crowns were separated from the roots at the cemento-enamel junction. The teeth were randomly divided into two groups, control and experimental, each containing 10 teeth. After class I preparation using a high-speed drill, 9.6-microm CO(2) laser irradiation was applied to dentinal areas only on the experimental group. The samples were soaked in 0.5% methylene blue for 48 h; three independent examiners using scanning electron microscopy evaluated dye penetration through the specimens.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results of the three examiners were similar. There was a significant difference in dye penetration into dentin after laser irradiation versus controls (p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 9.6-microm CO(2) laser appears to be a promising tool in the clinical setting. However, further investigation is needed to ensure maximum effectiveness.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endodontics, Hebrew University, Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel.
authors.forename: Iris
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Slutzky-Goldberg
authors.forename: Eyal
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nuni
authors.forename: Warda
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Nasralla
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stabholtz
authors.forename: Joshua
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Moshonov
mesh_terms: D003737:Dental Cavity Preparation; D003806:Dentin Permeability / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D054020:Lasers, Gas; D008963:Molar / Q000528:radiation effects; D046509:Tissue Culture Techniques