Morphological analysis of cavities prepared by different parameters of Er:YAG laser.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the morphological changes in cavities made by Er:YAG laser (2.94 mu m)(KaVo KEY 3)(LELO-FOUSP) and high-speed drill. Cavities were made on the buccal and lingual surfaces of 27 human molars (Banco de Dentes-FOUSP), using different laser parameters (n=3): G1-15Hz/160mJ enamel/ 6Hz/200mJ dentin; G2-15Hz/180mJ enamel/ 6Hz/200mJ dentin; G3-15Hz/l6OmJ enamel/ 6Hz/250mJ dentin; G4-15Hz/180mJ enamel/ 6Hz/250mJ dentin; G5-15Hz/180mJ enamel/ 10Hz/180mJ dentin; G6-15Hz/160mJ enamel/ 10Hz/180mJ dentin; G715Hz/160mJ enamel/ 10Hz/160mJ dentin; G8-15Hz/180mJ enamel/ 10Hz/160mJ dentin and G9-high-speed drill. Samples were fixed (2.5% glutaraldhyde, 12h, 4 degrees C), dehydrated (25-100% ethanol), dried to a critical point and sputter-coated with gold for analysis under SEM. All laser parameters used showed no evidence of thermal damage and signs of burning and melting, Er:YAG laser ablated dental hard tissues, showing enamel prisms, like scales, dentin surface without smear layer and opened dentinal tubules. It was concluded that Er:YAG laser parameters were effective for ablation of hard tissues, promoting morphological changes in irradiated tissues, creating an irregular and microretentive morphological pattern.