title: Dentin surface modification using the Er,Cr:YSGG laser and a meshwork mask: light and SEM microscopic observations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We have developed a novel technique of utilizing a stainless steel meshwork mask during treatment of dentin with the Er,Cr:YSGG laser. It is the purpose of this study to observe the surface modifications produced by this method.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Many techniques have been developed to facilitate bonding of various materials to dentin. However, an optimal bond has not yet been achieved.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four teeth ground to dentin were randomly assigned to two groups. Group 1: Er,Cr:YSGG laser treatment; and Group 2: laser treatment while a 100 μm aperture stainless steel mesh was situated over the dentinal surface.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Group 1 samples appeared rugged but relatively flat. Group 2 samples presented a surface with uniformly aligned craters ∼100  μm wide, 150  μm deep.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Masking the dentinal surface with a stainless steel mesh during laser irradiation produces a surface texture that appears to facilitate mechanical retention.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
authors.forename: Jang-Ching
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Chou
authors.forename: Shinn-Jyh
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Ding
authors.forename: Chun-Cheng
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D001840:Dental Bonding / Q000295:instrumentation; D003804:Dentin / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning