The effect of pulsed Er,Cr:YSGG laser scanning on the adhesion strength of lithium disilicate to tooth dentin

Abstract

This study examined how Er,Cr:YSGG laser surface conditioning affected the adhesion of lithium disilicate ceramic to the dentin tooth structure. Forty samples were divided into four groups (n=10). The first group was untreated, whereas the second was etched with hydrofluoric acid. The third group was treated for 2 minutes with a 7 W, 25 Hz Er,Cr:YSGG laser. The fourth group received the same Er,Cr:YSGG laser treatment at 5 W. The untreated group had the lowest shear bond scores. Laser-irradiated Group 3 at 7 W had a higher maximum shear bond strength than the hydrofluoric acid-etched group. The laser-irradiated groups also had a more uniform, non-invasive surface roughness pattern. The samples were tested by atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and a universal shear bond testing machine. Surface treatment with the Er,Cr:YSSG laser at 7 W improves lithium disilicate ceramic adhesion to dentin. The laser outperforms hydrofluoric acid as the gold standard.