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The levator aponeurosis consists of two layers that include smooth muscle.

PURPOSE: To investigate the two-fold structure of the levator aponeurosis, which is partly composed of independent smooth muscles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen upper eyelids of 12 Asian postmortems, with age at death ranging from 72 to 91 years, were examined. In 9 eyelids, posterior lamella tissue of the upper eyelid was removed to observe the stratified structures of the levator aponeurosis. Six full-thickness eyelids were used to observe the attachment site or the continuity between the levator aponeurosis and its surrounding tissues. The eyelids were incised perpendicularly in the center of the eyelid; samples were stained with Masson trichrome and antismooth muscle actin antibody and examined microscopically. RESULTS: Masson trichrome staining demonstrated the two-layered nature of the levator aponeurosis. The anterior layer was characterized by thick, robust fibrous tissue, and the posterior by thinner fibrous tissue. Although both layers contained muscle structures, the posterior layer contained more than the anterior. Immunostaining with antismooth muscle actin antibody revealed that the muscle in both layers was smooth muscle. The anterior layer continued to the orbital septum and the submuscular fibroadipose tissue; the posterior layers, located in front of Müller muscle and its tendon, attached to the anterior inferior one-third of the tarsus. Part of the anterior layer went through the orbicularis oculi muscle and attached to the subcuticular tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The levator aponeurosis is stratified, consisting of two layers than contain smooth muscle components in their proximal portions. It pulls mainly the preaponeurotic fat and anterior eyelid lamella. This partially regulates the tension of the eyelid and contributes to the ordered movement of the upper eyelid.

Actins↗

The levator aponeurosis consists of two layers that include smooth muscle.

PURPOSE: To investigate the two-fold structure of the levator aponeurosis, which is partly composed of independent smooth muscles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen upper eyelids of 12 Asian postmortems, with age at death ranging from 72 to 91 years, were examined. In 9 eyelids, posterior lamella tissue of the upper eyelid was removed to observe the stratified structures of the levator aponeurosis. Six full-thickness eyelids were used to observe the attachment site or the continuity between the levator aponeurosis and its surrounding tissues. The eyelids were incised perpendicularly in the center of the eyelid; samples were stained with Masson trichrome and antismooth muscle actin antibody and examined microscopically. RESULTS: Masson trichrome staining demonstrated the two-layered nature of the levator aponeurosis. The anterior layer was characterized by thick, robust fibrous tissue, and the posterior by thinner fibrous tissue. Although both layers contained muscle structures, the posterior layer contained more than the anterior. Immunostaining with antismooth muscle actin antibody revealed that the muscle in both layers was smooth muscle. The anterior layer continued to the orbital septum and the submuscular fibroadipose tissue; the posterior layers, located in front of Müller muscle and its tendon, attached to the anterior inferior one-third of the tarsus. Part of the anterior layer went through the orbicularis oculi muscle and attached to the subcuticular tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The levator aponeurosis is stratified, consisting of two layers than contain smooth muscle components in their proximal portions. It pulls mainly the preaponeurotic fat and anterior eyelid lamella. This partially regulates the tension of the eyelid and contributes to the ordered movement of the upper eyelid.

Actins↗

Dynamic deformational loading results in selective application of mechanical stimulation in a layered, tissue-engineered cartilage construct.

The application of dynamic physiologic loading to a bilayered chondrocyte-seeded agarose construct with a 2% (wt/vol) top layer and 3% (wt/vol) bottom layer was hypothesized to (1) improve overall construct properties and (2) result in a tissue that mimics the mechanical inhomogeneity of native cartilage. Dynamic loading over the 28 day culture period was found to significantly increase bulk mechanical and biochemical properties versus free-swelling culture. The initial depth-distribution of the compressive Young's modulus (EY) reflected the intrinsic properties of the gel in each layer and a similar trend to the native tissue, with a softer 2% gel layer and a much stiffer 3% gel layer. After 28 days in culture, free-swelling conditions maintained this general trend while loaded constructs possessed a reverse profile, with significant increases in EY observed only in the 2% gel. Histological analysis revealed preferential matrix formation in the 2% agarose layer, with matrix localized more pericellularly in the 3% agarose layer. Finite element modeling revealed that, prior to significant matrix elaboration, the 2% layer experiences increased mechanical stimuli (fluid flow and compressive strain) during loading that may enhance chondrocyte stimulation and nutrient transport in that layer, consistent with experimental observations. From these results, we conclude that due to the limitations in 3% agarose, the use of this type of bilayered construct to construct depth-dependent inhomogeneity similar to the native tissue is not likely to be successful under long-term culture conditions. Our study underscores the importance of other physical properties of the scaffold that may have a greater influence on interconnected tissue formation than intrinsic scaffold stiffness.

Animals↗

The smear layer in endodontics.

With the cascade of new restorative products being unveiled almost monthly, dentists incorporating endodontics into their practices must be able to evaluate the potential of these products for successful integration into their procedures. This evaluation should be based on a knowledge of how the new products relate to the smear layer formed along the root canal walls. Rather than relying on information supplied by the dental manufacturers, the aware dentist should regularly resort to the most current research reports available in journal or abstract form. With the use of certain products in some clinical situations, other branches of restorative dentistry may suggest retention of the smear layer. Although pulpally infected teeth have been successfully treated for generations in the presence of the smear layer, it has become accepted practice now in endodontics to remove the smear layer. Different quantities and qualities of smear layer can be produced by various techniques of instrumentation. However, they all present a barrier to intimate contact between obturating materials and the canal wall. Various types of solvents will produce different results in smear layer removal. One ideal endodontic irrigant follows the use of the antimicrobial 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite solution with the equally antimicrobial 6 per cent citric acid solution or 17 per cent EDTA. Chelating agents are effective in that they remove the smear layer, open the dentinal tubules, and produce a clean surface for closer obturation. Removal of the smear layer encourages the creation of a good apical plug to prevent over filling, post-filling sensitivity, and possible microleakage. The use of glass ionomer cements and unfilled resin as a cementing medium following smear layer removal shows promising results in both strength of cementation and the possibility of reducing post lengths. Controversies will always arise in dentistry with the advent of new information and the discovery of new clinical techniques. But a total awareness of both sides of a controversy will enable the practitioner to find a way through the confusion.

Chelating Agents↗

[Formation, composition, clinical implications and methods for removing the smeared layer from root canal walls].

A layer, which is readily detectable at higher magnifications with scanning electron microscope (sem) is consistently seen on canal walls that have been endodontically instrumented. This layer in the international bibliography reported as smeared layer. The surface of this layer is amorphous, irregular and granular. Although the composition of this layer has not been completely determined, it probably contains fine inorganic particles of dentin produced by mechanical preparation of root canal walls. As well as some organic material from necrotic or vital pulp tissue, bacteria and blood cells. The clinical importance of the smeared layer is still not fully understood. It may be beneficial since it is known to plug the orifices of the dentinal tubules and to reduce the permeability of dentin. In addition, the Smeared layer covering prepared areas of root canal prevents medicaments and filling materials from penetrating the dentinal tubules on even contacting the canal wall. The formation of this layer, the composition, the clinical importance and various methods for removing the smeared layer from the system of root canals, is the object of this paper.

Dental Cavity Preparation↗

Scanning electron microscopic observations of the ependymal cell and the subependymal layer of the third brain ventricle in the rat.

This investigation was undertaken to clarify the three dimensional ultrastructure of the subependymal layer in relation with the ependymal cell layer in rat brain using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The subependymal layer existing below the ependyma of the third ventricle in the brain of mature albino rats was examined with S E M. The hypothalamus freshly excised after median sagittal section was treated by collagenase with or without trypsin for a short while to remove the ependymal cells at the ventricular wall. After the enzymatic pretreatment of the specimen, many ependymal cells were removed and the subependymal layer was partially exposed. Most of the ciliated ependymal cells remaining at the ventricular wall extended long, single basal processes which then penetrated into the subependymal layer. The subependymal layer was composed of a delicate framework of thin processes of glial cells, ependymal cells and, in addition nerve cells. Scattered among the neuropil just beneath the ependymal cell layer, there were relatively small, globular subependymal cells. Occasionally, there were large bundles of unmyelinated nerve fibres in the subependymal layer. The individual nerve fibres distinctly showed many axonal varicosities within the fibres. Intermingled with the nerve fibres, glial processes of various forms were present. The structure of the ependymal cells and the subependymal layer was compared with the findings already reported in the studies using light and transmission electron microscope.

Animals↗

The viscous layer overlying the corneal posterior epithelium of the domestic cat.

The presence, nature, and composition of a layer of transparent mucinous material overlying the posterior epithelium (called here, 'the viscous layer of the posterior epithelium') was investigated in material from domestic cats. A number of different techniques were used. (a) A variety of different fixatives and histochemical stains was used to preserve and visualise the layer of examination by light microscopy. Frozen sections of fresh material were also examined after on-slide fixation. The preservation and appearance of the viscous layer was critically dependent on the type of fixative used and on minimal agitation during tissue processing. It appeared to contain sulphated acid GAGs, the staining of which was histochemically masked around pH 2.5. The use of frozen sections produced the most reliable preservation of the layer. (b) Ruthenium red or cetylpyridinium chloride was used to preserve the viscous layer for examination by transmission electron microscopy. It appeared in a dispersed form after stabilisation by ruthenium red and in a condensed form after stabilisation by cetylpyridinium chloride. (c) Freeze-dried tissue was examined by scanning electron microscopy. The viscous layer usually appeared as a band of coral- or moss-like material which was often many times the thickness of the posterior epithelium. Usually, the areas of the layer adjoining the posterior epithelium and the anterior chamber appeared more condensed when compared to the material between these two regions. The physiological significance of the viscous layer is discussed.

Animals↗

Granulomatous reaction to Bowman's layer in herpetic keratitis and band keratopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize granulomatous reactions around Bowman's layer. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Registry of Ophthalmic Pathology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington. PATIENTS: All patients with a code for granulomatous reactions to Bowman's (membrane) layer or Descemet's membrane. In addition, all corneas identified as having elastotic or calcific degeneration of Bowman's layer were reexamined to identify a possible granulomatous reaction to Bowman's layer. RESULTS: Review of 210 corneal buttons and enucleated eyes yielded eight cases in which evidence of a granulomatous reaction to Bowman's layer was present: five patients with chronic keratitis, including three with herpetic keratitis (disciform in two and ulcerative in one), and three patients whose corneas had old degenerative pannus with calcification of Bowman's layer. In the patients with chronic keratitis the reaction tended to be focal and accompanied by inflammation; in those with degenerative pannus the reaction was diffuse and accompanied by minimal inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Granulomatous reactions to Bowman's layer are observed much less frequently than granulomatous reactions to Descemet's membrane. Although the pathogenesis of granulomatous reaction to Bowman's layer is unclear, a change in the antigenic properties of Bowman's layer may be implicated.

Adult↗

Cryoscanning electron microscopic study of the surface amorphous layer of articular cartilage.

In order to elucidate the structure near the articular surface, frozen unfixed hydrated articular cartilage with subchondral bone from the pig knee was examined using a cryoscanning electron microscope (cryo-SEM). This method is considered to reduce the introduction of artefacts due to fixation and drying. An amorphous layer, without a collagen-fibril network or chondrocytes, covered most of the surface of the cartilage. This layer was termed the surface amorphous layer. It showed various appearances, which were classified into 4 groups. The average thickness of the layer did not differ among the 8 anatomical regions from which the specimens were taken. The thickness of the layer was found to correlate with the type of appearance of the layer. The 4 appearances associated with thicknesses in descending order are: 'streaked', 'foliate', 'spotted', and 'vestigial'. The surface layer observed in the cryo-SEM was thicker than that observed by a conventional SEM. This difference may be attributable to dehydration of the specimen used in specimen preparation for the latter technique. The layer was also observed in articular cartilage taken from human and rabbit knees. The layer was found to be unstable and to have very variable features. Its thickness and appearance may be influenced by various factors such as dehydration, fluid absorption or mechanical stress.

Animals↗

The posterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia. Its function in load transfer from spine to legs.

STUDY DESIGN: The superficial and deep lamina of the posterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia have been studied anatomically and biomechanically. In embalmed human specimens, the posterior layer has been loaded by simulating the action of various muscles. The effect has been studied using raster photography. OBJECTIVES: To study the role of the posterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia in load transfer between spine, pelvis, legs, and arms. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: It has been determined whether muscles such as the gluteus maximus, latissimus dorsi, erector muscle, and biceps femoris are functionally coupled via the thoracolumbar fascia. The caudal relations of the posterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia have not been previously studied. METHODS: Dissection was directed to the bilaminar posterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia of 10 human specimens. The superficial and deep lamina were studied using visual inspection and raster photography. Tension to the posterior layer of the fascia was simulated by traction to various muscles and measured by studying the displacement in the posterior layer. RESULTS: Traction to a variety of muscles caused displacement of the posterior layer. This implies that in vivo, the superficial lamina will be tensed by contraction of various muscles, such as the latissimus dorsi, gluteus maximus and erector muscle, and the deep lamina by contraction of the biceps femoris. Caudal to the level of L4 (in some specimens, L2-L3), tension in the posterior layer was transmitted to the contralateral side. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomic structures normally described as hip, pelvic, and leg muscles interact with so-called arm and spinal muscles via the thoracolumbar fascia. This allows for effective load transfer between spine, pelvis, legs, and arms--an integrated system. Specific electromyographic studies should reveal whether the gluteus maximus muscle and contralateral latissimus dorsi muscle are functionally coupled, especially during rotation of the trunk. In that case, the combined action of these muscles assists in rotating the trunk, while simultaneously stabilizing the lower lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints.

Aged↗

Acid mucopolysaccharide layer of the surface nasal epithelium.

In the anterior tip of the inferior turbinate, the epithelium has microvilli which are covered by a mucopolysaccharide layer. This layer is about 0.8 mu in depth, well stained by ruthenium red and with a high density. The spaces between these microvilli are filled with this dense layer; therefore the movement of microvilli are suppressed, but this layer is a strong defensive line against ambient air. It is known that most inhaled particles are deposited in the anterior nares. So virus, microorganisms and antigens etc. will easily penetrate the epithelium if this layer becomes thin. Two centimeters behind the anterior tip where the epithelium is ciliated, the mucous layer over the cilia is less stained by ruthenium red and has a lower density than the anterior tip. This layer does not insert itself between the cilia. The fine filamentous mucopolysaccharide which seems flexible binds the cilias and the mucous layer. While the beat of cilia is not suppressed the inhaled particles cannot insert between cilia. In conclusion, the deep mucopolysaccharide layer over the anterior tip of the inferior turbinate and ciliary beat are important defensive mechanisms against the trauma of the ambient air.

Air↗

Profound loss of layer II entorhinal cortex neurons occurs in very mild Alzheimer's disease.

The entorhinal cortex (EC) plays a crucial role as a gateway connecting the neocortex and the hippocampal formation. Layer II of the EC gives rise to the perforant pathway, the major source of the excitatory input to the hippocampus, and layer IV receives a major hippocampal efferent projection. The EC is affected severely in Alzheimer disease (AD), likely contributing to memory impairment. We applied stereological principles of neuron counting to determine whether neuronal loss occurs in the EC in the very early stages of AD. We studied 20 individuals who at death had a Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score of 0 (cognitively normal), 0.5 (very mild), 1 (mild), or 3 (severe cognitive impairment). Lamina-specific neuronal counts were carried out on sections representing the entire EC. In the cognitively normal (CDR = 0) individuals, there were approximately 650,000 neurons in layer II, 1 million neurons in layer IV, and 7 million neurons in the entire EC. The number of neurons remained constant between 60 and 90 years of age. The group with the mildest clinically detectable dementia (CDR = 0.5), all of whom had sufficient neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and senile plaques for the neuropathological diagnosis of AD, had 32% fewer EC neurons than controls. Decreases in individual lamina were even more dramatic, with the number of neurons in layer II decreasing by 60% and in layer IV by 40% compared with controls. In the severe dementia cases (CDR = 3), the number of neurons in layer II decreased by approximately 90%, and the number of neurons in layer IV decreased by approximately 70% compared with controls. Neuronal number in AD was inversely proportional to NFT formation and neuritic plaques, but was not related significantly to diffuse plaques or to total plaques. These results support the conclusion that a marked decrement of layer II neurons distinguishes even very mild AD from nondemented aging.

Aged↗

Morphology and physiology of cortical neurons in layer I.

The electrophysiological and morphological properties of layer I neurons were studied in visual cortex slices from 7- to 19-d-old rats using whole-cell recording and biocytin labeling. A heterogeneous population of small, nonpyramidal neurons was found. Approximately one third of the cells we recorded were neurogliaform cells; another third were multipolar neurons with axons descending out of layer I. The remaining cells were heterogeneous and were not classified. In slices from 7- to 10-d-old animals only, we identified Cajal-Retzius cells. Neurogliaform neurons had a very dense local axonal field, which was largely contained within layer I. Cells with descending axons had a relatively sparse local axonal arbor and projected at least to layer II and sometimes deeper. Spiking in neurogliaform neurons was followed by an afterdepolarizing potential, whereas spiking in cells with descending axons was followed by a slow after-hyperpolarizing potential (AHP). In addition, neurogliaform cells exhibited less spike broadening and a larger fast AHP after single spikes than did cells with descending axons. Generally, cells in layer I received synaptic inputs characterized as either GABA- or glutamate-mediated, suggesting the presence of excitatory and inhibitory inputs. With their output largely limited to layer I, neurogliaform cells could synapse with other layer I neurons, the most distal dendritic branches of pyramidal cells, or the dendrites of layer II/III interneurons, which invade layer I. Cells with descending axons could contact a wide variety of cortical cells throughout their vertical projection.

Animals↗

Bacterial retention in canal walls in vitro: effect of smear layer.

When dentin is planed by endodontic instruments, a smear layer forms. Whether this layer should be removed is unknown and controversial. This study was conducted to assess the effect of the smear layer on retention of bacteria using an in vitro root canal bacterial colonization model. Canals of 26 extracted human canines were step-back prepared using 2.5% NaOCl. Teeth were then randomly divided into two groups based on the type of high volume final flush: 1-20 ml of sterile saline (0.85% wt/vol) or (2-10 ml of 17% EDTA followed by 10 ml of 2.5% NaOCl which removes smear layer. Streptococcus anginosus (milleri) was cultured in trypticase soy broth supplemented with 0.5% yeast extract at 37 degrees C in 5% CO2. Cells were harvested by centrifugation and resuspended in fresh media. Serial dilutions were performed to achieve inocula of 10(6) colony-forming units in a 30-microliters volume. Teeth were inoculated and incubated for 2 h in 5% CO2 at 37 degrees C. Following incubation, teeth were split and processed for microbiological analysis. Numbers of colonizing bacteria were determined by a spiral-plating system. Enumeration of the numbers of bacteria revealed a reproducible, order of magnitude difference (p = 0.0002) between teeth with smear layer (10(4) colony-forming units) versus teeth without smear layer (10(5) colony-forming units). This suggests that smear layer produced during root canal therapy may inhibit bacterial colonization of root canals. One suggested mechanism is that smear layer may block bacterial entry into dentinal tubules.

Bacterial Adhesion↗

Bacterial penetration through canals of endodontically treated teeth in the presence or absence of the smear layer.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study is to determine if the smear layer affects the passage of bacteria through or around obturating material as evidenced by penetration of bacteria through and out the canal. Specifically, this study focused on determining the effect of the smear layer on the magnitude of bacterial penetration through the apical foramen. METHODS: Thirty extracted, maxillary central or lateral incisors were collected. Teeth were randomly assigned (10 teeth per group) to three groups: (1) smear layer removed, (2) smear layer present, and (3) negative control. Canal preparation and obturation using lateral condensation, gutta percha, and AH 26 sealer was performed on all of the teeth. Removal of the smear layer was accomplished by rinsing with 17% EDTA. The model systems consisted of an upper chamber attached to the cemento-enamel junction and a lower chamber at the apices of the teeth. Standardized bacterial suspensions containing Fusobacterium nucleatum, Campylobacter rectus, and Peptostreptococcus micros were inoculated into the upper chambers. Models were incubated anaerobically at 37 degrees C. At various times over a 60-day period, samples were taken from the lower chamber and spiral-plated on selective-differential media to determine numbers and types of bacteria. RESULTS: Leakage results were as follows: (1) smear layer present-6/10 leaked; (2) smear layer removed-0/10 leaked; (3) negative control-0/10 leaked. Profiles of bacterial leakage were similar among the groups. F. nucleatum was the predominant microorganism. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that removal of the smear layer reduced the leakage of bacteria through the root canal system.

Bismuth↗

A comparative study of the removal of smear layer by three endodontic irrigants and two types of laser.

AIM: The effects of three endodontic irrigants and two types of laser on a smear layer created by hand instrumentation were evaluated in vitro in the middle and apical thirds of root canals. METHODOLOGY: Sixty human mature extracted mandibular premolar teeth with a single root canal and a closed apex were distributed randomly into five groups of 12 teeth each. Whilst cleaning and shaping up to a size 60 master apical file with a step-back technique, the root canals were irrigated with 3 mL of 5.25% NaOCL and 3% H2O2, alternately, between each file size. Group 1 (G1) were control specimens that were irrigated with a final flush of 17% EDTA. The teeth in group 2 (G2) were irrigated with a final flush of 6% phosphoric acid, and group 3 (G3) with 6% citric acid. In the specimens of group 4 (G4) the root canals were irradiated with a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, and specimens of group 5 (G5) were irradiated using an Er:YAG laser. The teeth were split longitudinally and prepared for examination by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Control specimens (G1) showed clean root-canal walls with open dentinal tubules in the middle one-third, but in some specimens thick smear layer was observed in the apical one-third. Specimens irrigated with a final flush of 6% phosphoric acid (G2) or 6% citric acid (G3) were cleaner than with 17% EDTA, showing very clean root canal surfaces in the middle one-third but in the apical one-third the smear layer was not completely removed, especially at the openings of the dentinal tubules. The specimens irradiated with the CO2 laser (G4) showed clean root-canal walls with the smear layer absent, charred, melted, recrystallized and glazed in both middle and apical thirds. The root-canal walls of the specimens irradiated with the Er:YAG laser (G5) revealed an absent smear layer with open dentinal tubules in the middle and apical thirds. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in the cleanliness of root-canal wall between G1 and G2, and G1 and G3. However, there were statistically significant differences (P < 0.01) between G1 and G4, and G1 and G5 in the cleanliness of the middle and apical one-thirds of the root canals. CONCLUSIONS: Irrigation with 17% EDTA, 6% phosphoric acid and 6% citric acid did not remove all the smear layer from the root-canal system. In addition, these acidic solutions demineralized the interbular dentine around tabular openings, which became enlarged. The CO2 laser was useful in removing and melting the smear layer on the instrumented root-canal walls and the Er:YAG laser was the most effective in removing the smear layer from the root-canal wall.

Carbon Dioxide↗

Smear layer: overview of structure and function.

Smear layers are created on hard tissues whenever they are cut with hand or rotary instruments. This thin (1-2 microns) layer of denatured cutting debris is very tenacious and, in fact, is often the surface to which restorative materials are luted. The solubility characteristics, chemical reactivity and the structure-function relationships of this layer have not yet been well-defined. During creation of the smear layer, cutting debris is forced variable distances into dentinal tubules. These so-called smear plugs, together with the smear layer decrease dentin permeability, dentin sensitivity and surface wetness. Bonding adhesive resins to smear layers appears to limit the theoretical bond strength unless the smear layers are loosened or partially removed. Future research in this area will include the use of surface analytical techniques such as Auger electron spectroscopy and ESCA. These techniques are required because of the thinness of the smear layer. It is clear that the nature of this critical interface between dental materials and cut hard tissues remains largely unknown. This field will provide fertile ground for future research.

Animals↗

Hybrid layer thickness and morphology: the influence of cavity preparation with Er:YAG laser.

Dentinal surfaces prepared with Er:YAG laser have significantly different characteristics from those prepared with conventional instruments. Different hybrid layer morphologies and thicknesses occur, which may result in differences in the quality of restorations placed on dentinal surfaces prepared with a diamond bur when compared with using an Er:YAG Laser. This study compared the hybrid layer thickness and morphology formed utilizing Scotchbond Multipurpose Plus (SBMP) on dentin prepared with a diamond bur in a high speed handpiece and dentin prepared with an Er:YAG laser. Flat dentin surfaces obtained from five human teeth were treated with the two methods and then with the dentin adhesive system according to the manufacturer's instructions. After a layer of composite was applied, the specimens were sectioned, flattened, polished and prepared for SEM observation. Ten different measurements of hybrid layer thickness were obtained along the bonded surface in each specimen. Results showed that SBMP produced a 3.43 +/- 0.75 microm hybrid layer in dentin prepared with a diamond bur. This hybrid layer was regular and constantly found. In the laser group, the dentin adhesive system produced a 1.54 +/- 0.35 microm hybrid layer that was very irregular and not found constantly. Statistical analysis of variance (p < 0.05) showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the groups. These data indicate that the Er:YAG laser, with parameters used in the experiment, is not a preparation method that allows for a thick hybrid layer formation, which is in opposition to using a diamond bur in a high speed turbine.

Analysis of Variance↗