Abstract
The effects of CO2 laser irradiation on the premolar and molar vestibular gingiva of twenty-one mongrel dogs were studied. The relationship between the irradiated energy, damage due to the radiation and the healing process were observed macroscopically and microscopically. Bleeding was not observed during radiation. The ray did not reach the bone, and damages to the soft tissue could heal easily at less than 10 J irradiation. When the irradiation energy was increased higher than 20 J the healing process was significantly delayed, and irreversible damage to the tooth, partial loss of the alveolar crest and sequestra formation were observed in some cases.
