In this study, attempt has been made to evaluate the effect of $CO_2$ laser irradiation on enamel surface structure and the bond strength of sealant material. Conventional acid etching was used as a control technic for comparison. The results obtained from this experiment were as follows; 1. The highest mean shear bond strength value was observed in samples of Group I (acid-etching) with the statistical significance(p<.05) between all the other groups. 2. The shear bond strength in Group IV was the lowest among laser etching groups. but there were no significant difference between them(p>.05). 3. Scanning electron microscopic observation showed that the rough and irregular surface was created by $CO_2$ laser treatment with the formation of numerous pores, micro-cracks, and small bubble-like inclusion. Increasing the energy density induced localized surface melt with a thin smooth glaze-like appearance. 4. In acid-etched control specimen cohesive failure predominated, whereas adhesive failure was the main mode in laser-treated group. Based upon the above-mentioned results, it can be assumed that the $CO_2$ laser is not an adequate substitute for the acid-etch technique in enamel preconditioning. More studies are required to explore the effective condition of laser irradiation which could attain the better bond strength of restorative materials.