Efficacy of Surface Roughness and Bond Strength of Y-TZP Zirconia After Various Pre-Treatments

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate surface roughness (SR) and the influence of various surface treatments (STs) on the veneer ceramic shear bond strength (SBS) to Y-TZP zirconia. Background data: STs can improve the bonding properties of zirconia ceramics. However, little is known about the effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation on SBS between zirconia and veneer ceramic/resin cement. Methods: Eighty ceramic discs of yttria-tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP) were prepared, and specimens were divided into eight groups (n=10): untreated (control), air abrasion, and Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation with different energy intensities (1-6 W). Average SR of each specimen was determined with a profilometer, and a veneering ceramic recommended for zirconia was fired into cylinder-shaped Y-TZP specimens. SBS test was performed for each specimen at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min, and the average means of SBS and SR were calculated. Fracture modes and the surface topography were evaluated with various microscopes after STs. Data were analyzed by using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey honest significant difference (HSD) tests. Results: The highest mean force value was observed in the air abrasion group, and followed by 6 and 5 W laser irradiations, respectively. The difference between control and air abrasion groups was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). All laser irradiations increased the SBS value, but 1 and 2 W laser irradiations showed no statistically significant differences compared with the control group. However, the SR value for air abrasion group was significantly higher than that of the control group and 1 W (p<0.05), and there were no significant differences between the SR of all the laser groups and the control group. Conclusions: The result of this study showed that STs with air abrasion and high laser energy intensities (3-6W), can improve the bonding properties of Y-TZP zirconia.