Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Evaluation of Tooth Surface Irradiated by Different Parameters of Erbium: Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (Er:YAG) Laser

The aim of this study was to investigate the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis of tooth surface irradiated by different parameters of Er:YAG laser. 15 caries-free extracted human third molars were used in this study. The teeth were put into 5 groups for laser irradiation as follows: Group 1 (power: 2.5 W, Energy: 250 mJ); Group 2(power: 3 W, Energy: 300 mJ); Group 3 (power: 3.5 W, Energy: 350 mJ); Group 4 (power: 4 W, Energy: 400 mJ); Group 5 (power: 4.5 W, Energy: 450 mJ). All samples were prepared by repetition rate of 10 Hz. Then,the samples were prepared for SEM examination. The SEM images showed cleaned ablated surface and exposed dentinal tubules, without production of smear layer. It can be concluded that Er:YAG laser can be an alternative technique for surface treatment and can be considered as safe as the conventional methods,like turbine and bur.