Comparative assessment of diamond bur and Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation for cavity preparation and tissue modification: a microleakage study

Abstract

To compare the effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation versus dental bur in class V cavities restored with a bulk fill resin-based material by the use of different etching protocols. Forty-five extracted third molars were used for this in vitro study. Class V restorations were prepared both on the buccal and lingual side of each specimen. All teeth were sealed with an all-in-one adhesive system and restored with a bulk fill material. The specimens were divided into five groups: group 1: bur preparation/phosphoric acid 37%. Group 2: bur preparation/Er,Cr:YSGG irradiation for etching. Group 3: Er,Cr:YSGG laser for cavity preparation without etching. Group 4: Er,Cr:YSGG laser cavity preparation/phosphoric acid for etching. Group 5: Er,Cr:YSGG laser for both cavity preparation and surface modification (different settings). After grinding and polishing, the specimens were stored in distilled water and thermocycled. Dye penetration technique was performed. The specimens were cleaned and longitudinally sectioned aiming to be observed under a stereomicroscope. The data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 25 software. Significance level was set at p 0.05). Significantly lower microleakage values were detected to the other four groups. Within the limitations of this study, although diamond bur and acid etching are proved to be the gold standard in restorative dentistry, Er,Cr:YSGG irradiation appeared to be a valid alternative approach for cavity preparation and enamel modification.