Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of obstruction of dentinal tubules through irradiation of the $CO_2$ laser on the dentin surface. For this study, 104 extracted caries - free premolars and molars were grinded their mesial or distal surface to expose dentin completly. And these specimens were divided into three Groups. Group I : those with their smear layer not removed and Group IT : those with their smear layer removed, were irradiated by the $CO_2$ laser(SPACE LASER - $CO_2$ VEGA 25) at five different energy levels ranging 4 - 20J/$cm^2$, and all specimens were observed with scanning eletron microscope (Hitachi S - 450). Group m was divided into 2 sub - groups: one with smear layer, another one without and those were irradiated with $CO_2$ laser of the same condition as Group I & II. All specimens were immersed in, $37^{\circ}C$, 0.5% methylene blue solution for 48 hours after 100 times of thermocycling at $4^{\circ}C$ and $60^{\circ}C$, and were observed with stereo -light microscope (Olympus SZH - ILLD) to evaluate dye penetration. The following results were obtained; 1. The dentinal tubules were obstructed through laser irradiation. 2. The dentinal tubules were still obstructed after treatment of 10% HCl/2sec., then it was proved that acid resistance of detin surface was also increased. 3. The Group of laser irradiation showed less dye penetration than control Group. 4. The smear layer hardly affected obstruction of the dentinal tubules through laser irradiation.