[Application of mini-TEA-CO2-laser in dentistry. Effect of pulsed low-energy infrared laser beam on dentin].

The effects of a very short pulsed infrared mini-TEA-CO2-laserbeam at the wavelength of 10.6 microns on dentine were studied. The results of the light- and scanning electron microscopic investigation indicated the possibility of a precise removal of hard tooth structure without causing thermal damage of the tissue. Removing material by photoablation leads to a retentive surface on dentine and to a partially closure of the dentinetubuli at the bottom of the treated cavity. Undesirable thermal effects like surface-cracking and carbonisation were not observed.