Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the bio-stimulating effect of low power density laser radiation on the mechanically exposed pulp. Class V cavities on dog's teeth were prepared and the pulps were mechanically exposed with a round bur. In control group, the exposed pulps were capped with $Ca(OH)_2$ powder and the cavities were sealed with Z.O.E.. In experimental group A, the pulps were irradiated with GaA1As laser for 5 minutes and then they were treated the same as control group. In experimental group B, the exposed pulps were covered by aluminum foil and sealed with Z.O.E. after they were irradiated with the laser as the experimental group A. In the all groups, the pulps were histopathologically observed at the time intervals of 1, 2 and 3 week after experiment and the results were statistically evaluated. The results were as follows: 1) In control and experimental groups, mild vascular congestion and bleeding was found in most of the specimens and for the new formation of dentin bridge, experimental group A had the most cases. The dentin bridge had discontinuous osteodentin like appearance without any dentinal tubules. Inflammatory cell infiltration consisted of acute and chronic inflammatory cell, and the formation of microabscess was also observed. 2) The degree of inflammatory cell infiltration was not significantly different among control group and experimental groups at 1 week, 2 week and 3 week. 3) The formation of new dentin bridge was not significantly different between control group and experimental group A at 1 week, but at 2 week and 3 week, experimental group A showed significantly more cases of new dentin formation than control groups. (P < 0.05). 4) Between control group and experimental group B, there was no significant difference in formation of the new dentin bridge at 1, 2 and 3 week. (P> 0.05). 5) There was no significant difference in formation of the new dentin bridge at 1 and 2 week between experimental group A and experimental group B, but at 3 week, the former significantly had more cases of new dentin bridge formation than the latter.(P < 0.05).