Scanning electron microscopic study of argon laser-induced morphologic changes on human dental enamel and dentin.

Thirty-two human posterior teeth were used in this study to investigate the effect of pulsed argon laser of different densities (40, 50 and 60 J/Cm2) on the surface topography of human enamel and dentin. The S.E.M. results showed apparent alterations on the surface topography of both tissues. Increasing the energy density from 40 to 60 J/Cm2 showed a worse, destructive changes. Moreover, the effect of argon laser on dentin was more pronounced when compared with that of enamel irrespective of the energy density used.