Sealing of open dentinal tubules by laser irradiation: AFM and SEM observations of dentine surfaces.

Dentin of human teeth is a vital hydrated tissue. It is strongly sensitive to dehydration and drying that are commonly used in preparation of samples for scanning electron microscopy. Experience in examination of dentine surfaces of extracted human third molars using contact mode atomic force microscopy under moist conditions is described. The examined dentine surfaces are modified by laser radiation produced by a pulsed Nd:YAG laser that leads to sealing of open dentinal tubules under suitable conditions that are reached after covering dentine surfaces with dye agents. Out of four investigated dye agents erythrosin solution in water has been found the most suitable and the lower and upper limits of pulse energies for sealing of dentinal tubules have been set. Copyright (c) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.