Effect of Er,Cr:YSGG Laser Surface Treatment on Microshear Bond Strength of Monolithic Extra Translucent Zirconia to Resin Cement (An In-vitro study)

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser surface treatment at various power settings on the microshear bond strength between extra translucent zirconia and resin cement, comparing it to sandblasting. Methodology: Thirty-six sintered Cercon xt zirconia specimens were divided based on surface treatment (n=9): Group SB: Sandblasting with 110μm alumina particles, Group 6W: Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 6W, Group 8W: Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 8W, Group 10W: Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 10W. One sample per group was analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Subsequently, all samples were treated with zirconia primer, then resin cylinders were prepared and light cured. Samples then underwent a microshear bond test until failure. SEM was used to determine the failure mode for each group. Results: One Way ANOVA test showed no statistically significant difference between the groups (p=0.902). Sandblasted samples had noticeable micromechanical roughening and mixed-type bond failure. Laser-treated surfaces had reduced roughness compared to sandblasting, with predominantly adhesive failure. Conclusions: Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation at 6W, 8W, and 10W can be considered a valid option for treating the surface of extra translucent zirconia to generate reliable bond with resin cement.