Surface Alteration Of Zirconia Ceramics After Erbium Lasers Irradiation

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluated the surface roughness of zirconia treated with erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet 2,940 nm (Er-YAG) andErbium chromium: yttrium scandium gallium garnet 2,780 nm (Er,Cr:YSGG)

 Materials and Methods: fifty disc-shaped zirconia specimens (10 mm in diameter and 8 mm in thickness) were fabricated by a computer-aided design andcomputer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Samples were divided into five groups (n = 10). One group as control, was air-particle abraded with Al2O3 particles. For the laser treatment groups, laser irradiation was applied at two different pulse lengths (long pulse and ultra-short pulse) and for scanning times 15 sec, Surface roughness was evaluated with contact profilometer and specimens were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed by ANOVA test.

 Results: there is statistically difference between sand blast (control group) and laser groups (test groups) p<0.5.

Sand blast more effective than laser etching methods, also no significance difference between long pulse and short pulse in the laser groups p>0.5, However, laser type and pulse length not effective in surface roughness according to this study.

Conclusion: Erbium laser etching may be an alternative to air-particle abrasion for zirconia ceramics to improve surface roughness for better adherence to luting agents.