A Shift to Synergistic Surface Treatment Using Laser to Enhance the Bonding of Zirconia to Veneering Ceramic: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of combination of surface treatment using laser along with other modalities of surface treatment on shear bond strength of zirconia to veneering ceramic. Milled and sintered zirconia cylinders (n = 150) were used in the study which were divided into six groups that were subjected to various surface treatments. Samples in group I were subjected to sandblasting. In group II Laser (Er: YAG) surface treatment was performed. Samples in group III were subjected to sandblasting followed by laser ablation. In group IV laser ablation was carried out followed by liner application, and samples in group V were subjected to laser ablation followed by argon plasma treatment. Instron machine was used to test the shear bond strength (SBS). One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni test were used for statistical analysis. Samples in group III showed highest values for SBS followed by groups I, IV, and V with less SBS value for group II. Thus, the results conclude the use of combination of surface treatment using laser to be an effective modality to enhance the shear bond strength of zirconia. Synergistic surface treatment using laser increases the bond strength of zirconia prosthesis to veneering ceramic improving its clinical longevity.