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Laser was first introduced into dentistry by Goldman et al.1) and Stern et al.2) in 1964. The progress of the laser research and the develop ment of laser apparatus expanded the applica tion of laser to caries prevention3,4), treatment of hypersensitivity5), incision of dental soft tissues6) and wound-healing stimulation7). Hibst et al.8) reported that Er:YAG laser was effective for removal of the dental hard tissues without producing a crack. Later, the efficacy of Er:YAG laser on excision of dental hard tissues was confirmed by many resear chers9-15) and Er:YAG laser has been noticed as an effective method for cavity preparation. And cavity preparation by Er:YAG laser was revealed to involve less pain, vibration and discomfort than that by an air-turbine. The efficacy of Er:YAG laser on cavity preparation is thought to be contributed to the good absorption of Er:YAG laser in water16,17), resulting in the low heat creation under water coolant and in the low adverse effects to the dental hard tissues and periodontal tissues. laser irradiation. J