Dental Adhesion to Erbium-Lased Tooth Structure: A Review of the Literature

Objective: The aim of the present study was to conduct a review of the literature about adhesion on erbium laser prepared cavities, related to the specific conditions of the irradiated dentin substrate and the effects on bond strength values. Background data: Advances in adhesive restorative techniques significantly influenced modern restorative dentistry. The concept of minimally invasive dentistry aims to perform more conservative treatment of cavities in which the removal of sound dentin is no longer necessary. This approach, which relies on the concept of adhesion of restorative materials to the mineralized dental tissues, is considered to be a contemporary outcome in dentistry. Similarly, laser technology in restorative dentistry opened new possibilities and strategies as alternatives to conventional treatment. Considering the clinical aspects of the use of erbium lasers for caries removal, cavity preparations, and substrate conditioning, treatment with lasers can be considered to be an efficient technique with wide acceptance by patients. Methods: Computerized and manual searches were conducted for studies through 2015 that addressed the topic. Results: According to the literature, there is no defined standard protocol concerning the information that articles must provide, making a definitive protocol very difficult to establish. Data varied from the type of adhesive and resin composite used, substrate, and parameters (power, energy density, pulse duration, irradiation time, distance, cooling system) to the bond strength test methodology used. Conclusions: Further studies are necessary in order to define a standard protocol with positive results and higher bond strength values when using erbium lasers. Detailed information concerning laser parameters should be implemented. Also, longitudinal clinical studies should be developed in the search for new parameters that behave favorably in the irradiated substrate.