A study of cavity preparation by Er:YAG laser. Effects on the marginal leakage of composite resin restoration

The purpose of this study was to evaluate marginal leakage of composite resin restoration from cavities prepared by Er:YAG laser. The observation of the dentin surface after the application of laser irradiation was performed by LSM, the cutting surface showed a rough surface similar to scales, and exposed dentinal tubules were observed without striations or a smeared layer formation that were observed when using a rotary cutting device. Leakage tests revealed no significant differences in the marginal seal for both enamel and dentin between cavities prepared by Er:YAG laser irradiation and when using an air-turbine. In this study, the usefulness of cavity preparation by Er:YAG laser irradiation in composite resin restoration was suggested.