Objectives: To compare and evaluate effects of CO(2) laser and conventional surface treatments on surface roughness and shear bond strengths of glass-infiltrated alumina-ceramics to dentin.
Methods: One hundred fifty ceramic discs of In-Ceram Spinell, In-Ceram Alumina and In-Ceram Zirconia (n=50) were prepared. Specimens which were divided into 5 groups (n=10) were untreated (control group), sandblasted, airborne particle abraded, etched with 9.6% hydrofluoric acid or irradiated with CO(2) laser. Scanning electron microscope was used at 1000x magnification for qualitative examination. Following surface roughness (Ra) determination by profilometry, discs were cemented on extracted-human-molar teeth. Cemented specimens were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 1 week. Shear bond strength (MPa) test was performed using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1mm/min. Statistical comparisons were made with Wilcoxon signed ranked test, Kruskall Wallis test and Spearman's correlation coefficient.
Results: All surface treatments produced rougher surfaces than the untreated groups of all ceramics (P<.05). Sandblasting demonstrated a rougher surface on In-Ceram Spinell than In-Ceram Alumina and In-Ceram Zirconia (P<.05). While CO(2) laser irradiation showed significantly higher bond strength for In-Ceram Spinell (P<.05), both airborne particle abrasion and CO(2) laser irradiation showed higher bond strengths for In-Ceram Zirconia (P<.05). Airborne particle abrasion demonstrated higher bond strength for In-Ceram Alumina and In-Ceram Zirconia (P<.05). No significant relationship was determined between surface roughness (Ra) and shear bond strength values (MPa) among ceramic groups.
Conclusions: Sandblasting is an effective surface treatment for roughening surfaces of In-Ceram Spinell. Although CO(2) laser irradiation does not increase surface roughness, it reveals the highest bond strength.