Effect of laser preparation on bond strength of a self-adhesive flowable resin

Effects of Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation and adhesive systems on microtensile bond strength of a self-adhering composite

This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation and adhesive systems on the microtensile bond strength of Fusio Liquid Dentin (FLD) which is a self-adhering composite (SAC). Twenty-four freshly extracted human molar teeth were collected, and the enamel was removed from the occlusal surface to obtain a flat dentin surface. Twenty-four teeth were randomly divided into eight groups: Group 1: only Fusio Liquid Dentin (FLD) (Petron Clinical, Orange, California, USA) was applied to the dentin surface; Group 2: 37% Phosphoricacid (i-GEL, Medicinos Linija UAB, Lithuania) + FLD; Group 3: Single Bond Universal (SBU) (3 M ESPE, Germany) + FLD; Group 4: Adper Easy One (AEO) (3 M ESPE, Germany) + FLD; Group 5: Er:YAG laser + AEO + FLD; Group 6: Er:YAG laser + SBU + FLD; Group 7: Er,Cr:YSGG laser + AEO + FLD; and Group 8: Er,Cr:YSGG laser + SBU + FLD. After thermocycling, 1 × 1 mm2 sticks were used for the µTBS test (n = 10). Two sticks per group were used for SEM analysis. Fractured sample surfaces were evaluated using a stereomicroscope. Group 8 showed the highest µTBS value (13.70 MPa), whereas Group 1 showed the lowest μTBS value (5.60 MPa). There were no significant differences between Groups 2, 3, and 4 (P = 0.324), but Groups 5-8 showed statistically significant results that were higher than Groups 1-4 (P = 0.012). Adhesive failure mode was predominant followed by mixed failure. The evaluation of bonding of the FLD to dentin showed that the combined use of Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers with SBU and AEO on dentin surfaces improved the dentinal bond strength of the FLD.

The Effect of Erbium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser in Debonding of Orthodontic Brackets: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Objective: The purpose of this review is to systematically assess the existing literature and summarize the evidence regarding the effect of erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser on enamel surface roughness and pulp health compared with the conventional orthodontic debonding techniques. Materials and methods: Following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) statement, the electronic database, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google scholar, and Saudi Digital Library were searched for relevant published records. Data were collected following specific keywords: "debonding" "Er:YAG laser" etc. In vitro studies, and clinical randomized- and nonrandomized-controlled studies limited to the English language and published in peer-reviewed journals were included. Results: A total of 564 articles were identified as relevant to the topic. Duplicates were excluded resulting in 382 articles, out of which 374 articles were discarded upon screening titles and abstracts. The remaining eight articles were read to their entirety and included in the current qualitative review after fulfilling the eligibility criteria. In all the included studies, a total of 480 sound posterior teeth were used to evaluate the effect of Er:YAG laser on debonding of orthodontic brackets from the enamel surface. Conclusions: Er:YAG laser debonding has demonstrated a reduced risk of enamel damage (fracture or cracks) but resulted in increased enamel surface roughness and was time-consuming for adhesive removal procedures compared with the conventional debonding methods. Further, within the applied laser settings, Er:YAG lasers have found to exhibit low thermal exhaustion in relation to the pulp. The laser source with a wavelength of 2940 nm has been used with different setting ranges (power of 2.5-5 W, energy 125-600 mJ, frequency 4-30 Hz, and pulse duration 50-350 μsec) for debonding of orthodontic brackets.

Bond strength of self-adhesive flowable composite resins to dental tissues: A systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Although the clinical use of self-adhesive flowable composite resins is convenient, the decision to use flowable or conventional composite resin remains controversial.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the in vitro bond strength of self-adhesive flowable composite resins to enamel or dentin compared with conventional composite resins using etch-and-rinse or self-etch adhesive systems.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two independent reviewers performed searches in the PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane Wiley, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for studies reporting on the bond strength of self-adhesive flowable and conventional composite resins to enamel and dentin published from January 2010 up to September 2020. A meta-analysis software program was used for the meta-analysis. Comparisons were conducted using standardized mean differences considering the random-effects model (α=.05).

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies were considered for the meta-analysis. Immediate and long-term bond strength to enamel was improved when a conventional composite resin was used in combination with an adhesive system (P<.001). Bond strength to dentin was improved by using an adhesive system in combination with a conventional composite resin (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The bond strength of self-adhesive flowable composite resins is lower than that of conventional composite resins, indicating limited ability to bond to enamel and dentin.

Effects of Er:YAG laser pre-treatment on dentin structure and bonding strength of primary teeth: an in vitro study

Background

To investigate the effects of Er:YAG laser pre-treatment on the dentin structure and shear bond strength of primary teeth.

Methods

Dentin specimens were prepared using freshly extracted intact primary molars and divided randomly into four groups based on the surface treatment applied. The control and etchant groups received no treatment and conventional acid etching treatment, respectively, while the energy and frequency groups received laser surface treatment with variable energy (50–300 mJ) and frequency (5–30 Hz) parameters. The morphology was observed using scanning electron microscopy. The surface-treated dentin slices were bonded to resin tablets, followed by thermocycle treatment. The shear strength was determined using a universal testing machine and de-bonded surfaces were observed using a stereomicroscope.

Results

SEM observation showed that the surface morphology of the dentin slices changed after etching as well as after Er:YAG laser pre-treatment with different energy and frequency values. The dentin tubules opened within a specific energy (50–200 mJ) and frequency (5–20 Hz) range. Beyond this range, the intertubular dentin showed cracks and structural disintegration. Shear strength tests showed no significant changes after acid etching. The shear strength increased significantly (P < 0.05) after Er:YAG laser pre-treatment compared with that of the control group. The shear strength increased within the same energy (50–200 mJ) and frequency (5–20 Hz) range as the tubule opening, but not significantly (P > 0.05). The most common mode of interface failure was adhesive (interface) failure, followed by mixed and resin cohesive failure.

Conclusions

Pre-treatment using Er:YAG laser opens the dentinal tubules without the formation of a smear layer and improves the bonding strength between the primary teeth dentin and the resin composites.

Comparison between Shear Bond Strength of Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG Lasers-Assisted Dentinal Adhesion of Self-Adhering Resin Composite: An Ex Vivo Study

(1) Background: Bonding composite to tooth structure is still evolving with a substitute for phosphoric acid being the main challenge. Lately, a self-adhering composite (SAC) was developed, promising to simplify bonding to tooth structure. Unfortunately, retention especially to dentin, was not as good as the gold standard three steps bonding system. During the last 2 decades, lasers were used to enhance shear bond strength of composite to tooth structure. However, the literature provided limited information regarding laser efficiency in the immediate, as well as the long term, adhesion success of SACs to dentin. The purpose of our study was to define the optimal irradiation conditions to improve the adhesion of self-adhering flowable resin composite to dentin exposed to Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation. (2) Methods: Seventy-two freshly extracted human third molars, prepared to have flat dentinal surfaces, were randomly divided into three groups (n = 24) including a control group (Group 1) in which dentin was left without laser irradiation. The other two groups (Group 2 and 3) received standardized irradiation at a speed of 1 mm/second with Er:YAG (60 mJ; SSP mode = 50 μs; 10 Hz; fluency of 9.4 J/cm²; beam diameter: 0.9 mm; air 6 mL/min; and water 4 mL/min), and Er,Cr:YSGG: 1.5 W; fluency of 17.8 J/cm²; turbo handpiece with MX5 short insert; 20 Hz under air/water spray (65% air, 55% water). Self-adhering flowable resin was applied to dentin in all groups. Half of the specimens were stored in water for 24 h while the other half underwent 3000 thermal cycles. Later, all specimens received a shear bond strength test. Fracture observation was done first under a stereomicroscope then by using a scanning electron microscope. (3) Results: The mean values of shear bond strength for both laser-treated dentin groups (Er:YAG laser: 13.10 ± 1.291, and Er,Cr:YSGG: 14.04 ± 5.233) were higher than in the control group 1 (8.355 ± 2.297) before thermocycling. After thermocycling, shear bond strength decreased in all groups as follows: 10.03 ± 1.503, 10.53 ± 2.631, and 02.75 ± 1.583 for Er:YAG, Er,Cr:YSGG, and nonirradiated dentin, respectively. Shear bond strength values showed a significant difference between the control group (Group 1) and both lasers groups (Group 2 and 3). Statistical analysis of stereomicroscope observation revealed no significant difference between laser irradiation and failure mode (p < 0.136). SEM observation of the dentin surface in both laser-irradiated groups showed opened tubules, absence of smear layer as well as an increase of resin infiltration into dentinal tubules. (4) Conclusion: Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers enhance self-adhering flowable resin shear bond strength values and improve its longevity by eliminating the smear layer, opening dentinal tubules and increasing resin infiltration into the microstructure.

Microshear Bond Strength of a Self-adhesive Composite to Erbium Laser-Treated Primary Enamel

Introduction: Advances have been made in the composition of flowable composites in recent years and self-adhering composites, which do not require a bonding agent, have recently been introduced to the market. This study aimed to assess the microshear bond strength (µSBS) of a self-adhering flowable composite (Vertise) to primary enamel treated with a graphite disc with silicon carbide particles (SIC) and laser irradiation, the result of which was compared to that of a conventional flowable composite (Premise). Methods: In this in vitro, experimental study, 72 samples of sound primary enamel were evaluated. A smooth enamel surface was obtained using a graphite disc. Next, the erbium chromium yttrium scandium gallium garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser was used for enamel surface treatment in half of the samples (n=36). All the samples were then randomly divided into 4 groups of (i) Premise flowable composite (PF) without laser (n=18), (ii) Vertise flowable composite (VF) without laser (n=18), (iii) PF with laser (n=18), and (iv) VF with laser (n=18). The teeth were then incubated at 37°C for 24 hours and were then subjected to thermocycling. The µSBS of samples was measured using a universal testing machine and reported in megapascal (MPa). Data were analyzed using SPSS via the two-way ANOVA and independent-samples t test at P<0.05. Results: The mean µSBS of VF was significantly higher to the laser-treated samples (13.60±5.47) compared with the non-treated samples (5.89±2.42) (P<0.001). However, no significant difference was noted in the µSBS of PF to the laser-treated (13.18±3.45) and non-treated samples (16.06±3.52) (P=0.058). Conclusion: The µSBS of the conventional flowable composite is higher than that of the self-adhering flowable composite to the enamel of primary teeth. Enamel surface treatment with laser irradiation increases the µSBS of self-adhering flowable composites.

Shear Bond Strength of Self-Adhesive Flowable Composite, Conventional Flowable Composite and Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement to Primary Dentin

Objectives:

This study aimed to compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of self-adhesive and conventional flowable composites and resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (RMGIC) to primary dentin.

Materials and Methods:

In this in vitro, experimental study, the buccal surface of 48 primary canine and first molar teeth was longitudinally sectioned to expose dentin. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups (n=16) of 37.5% phosphoric acid+ OptiBond+ Premise Flow composite (group 1), Vertise Flow composite (group 2) and RMGIC (group 3). A plastic cylindrical mold was placed on the exposed dentin and filled with restorative materials. The samples were then immersed in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours, subjected to 1000 thermal cycles between 5–55°C and underwent SBS test. The mode of failure was determined under a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test.

Results:

A significant difference was noted in SBS of the groups (P<0.05). The SBS of conventional flowable composite was significantly higher that of RMGIC and self-adhesive flowable composite (P<0.05). The difference in SBS of RMGIC and self-adhesive flowable composite was not significant (P>0.05). Failure at the dentin-restoration interface (adhesive failure) had the highest frequency in groups 1 and 2. The frequency of adhesive failure was 100% in group 3.

Conclusion:

Within the limitations of this study, the conventional flowable composite yielded the highest SBS to primary dentin. Self-adhesive flowable composite and RMGIC showed the lowest SBS with no significant difference with each other.

Adhesion in Dentin Prepared with Er,Cr:YSGG Laser: Systematic Review

Background:

In dentistry, cavities prepared with Erbium lasers present more advantages, compared to traditional methods, but there is still a lack of investigation about the adhesion in dentin surfaces prepared with Erbium lasers, especially with Erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser.

Aim:

The purpose of this systematic review was to find out which might be “The most adequate adhesive and laser parameters for adhesion in dentin prepared with Er,Cr:YSGG laser.”

Methods:

An electronic search was performed in the PubMed database. The search was limited to studies between 2009 and 2016.

Results:

Ten articles were selected to the systematic review according to TRANSPARENT REPORTING of Systematic Reviews and Meta-ANALYSES checklist.

Conclusions:

The adhesive that showed the best bond strength results in dentin prepared with Er,Cr:YSGG laser was the self-adhesive Clearfil™ SE (Kuraray), with preconditioning with 40% phosphoric acid. The settings 2 W, 75% water, 60% air, 140 μs pulse duration, and 20 Hz showed the best adhesion outcome.

Effect of Er:YAG laser energy densities on thermally affected dentin layer: Morphological study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Physical and chemical composition of dentin is subject to modification when irradiated with Er:YAG laser. Temperature rise causes water evaporation and micro-mechanical ablation of dentin. The misuse of laser parameters could affect negatively dentin collagen fibers leading to failure in bonded composite restorations. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of Er:YAG laser radiation at different levels of energy on the morphology of thermally affected dentin layer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-eight freshly extracted human third molars were randomly divided into six groups (n = 8). In all groups, except for the control groups, dentin was subject to irradiation with H02 handpiece Er:YAG laser in non-contact mode (SSP mode = 50 µs; 10 Hz; speed of 1 mm/second; air 6 mL/min; and water 4 mL/min) with the following levels of energy (40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 mJ) respectively. Teeth were sliced longitudinally. Photo-ablated cavities were observed. The cavity depth and dentin fiber collagen deterioration were measured.

RESULTS

Laser irradiation increased the depth of dentinal crater from 46.57 µm to 178.2 µm, when energy level increased from 40 mJ to 120 mJ. A superficial black layer, representing dentinal affected collagen fibers, was present in all groups except for control group. When comparing the thickness of the black layer, there was no significant difference between groups. It increased at 40 mJ to 28.17 µm then decreased to 15.19 µm at 60 mJ and then increased again for 80 mJ to 19.93 µm, 100 mJ to 22.87 µm and 120 mJ to 28.53 µm. Only one group (60 mJ) showed low values and significant difference as compared to the other irradiated groups, when multiple comparisons tests (ANOVA) were made using Newman-Keuls test.

CONCLUSION

Dentin organic matrix presented the minimum alteration when Er:YAG laser is used specifically at an appropriate level of energy (60 mJ).

Trends in restorative composites research: what is in the future?

Clinical trials have identified secondary caries and bulk fracture as the main causes for composite restoration failure. As a measure to avoid frequent reinterventions for restoration replacement, composites with some sort of defense mechanism against biofilm formation and demineralization, as well as materials with lower susceptibility to crack propagation are necessary. Also, the restorative procedure with composites are very time-consuming and technically demanding, particularly concerning the application of the adhesive system. Therefore, together with bulk-fill composites, self-adhesive restorative composites could reduce operator error and chairside time. This literature review describes the current stage of development of remineralizing, antibacterial and self-healing composites. Also, an overview of the research on fiber-reinforced composites and self-adhesive composites, both introduced for clinical use in recent years, is presented.

Limited interaction of a self-adhesive flowable composite with dentin/enamel characterized by TEM

OBJECTIVES

A new category of composite which does not require any acid etching or bonding protocol prior to application has been introduced. The purpose of this study was to characterize the interfacial ultra-structure at enamel and dentin surfaces by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

METHODS

Non-carious human third molars were randomly divided into 6 groups (bur-cut dentin, SiC-ground dentin, fractured dentin, bur-cut enamel, SiC-ground enamel, and un-cut enamel). After preparation of the respective surfaces, the self-adhesive flowable composite (Vertise Flow, Kerr) was applied. Non-demineralized/demineralized and non-stained/stained sections of 70-90nm were prepared following common TEM-specimen processing procedures. Additional specimens were immersed in an ammoniacal silver nitrate solution.

RESULTS

The composite-dentin interface was free of voids and no de-bonding occurred during specimen preparation. For bur-cut and SiC-ground dentin, no surface demineralization was observed and the smear contained residual hydroxyapatite. On fractured dentin (i.e. without smear interference), a very thin interaction area of 100-200nm without apparent signs of surface demineralization was seen. When the composite was bonded to enamel, a distinct separation between the self-adhesive composite and enamel was present in all three groups. A tight interaction, yet without distinct dissolution of hydroxyapatite, could only be seen in some regions at bur-cut enamel where smear was absent or sparse. Silver nitrate infiltration was associated with the presence of smear.

SIGNIFICANCE

The self-adhesive composite showed limited interaction with smear-covered substrates and aprismatic enamel, which explains its inferior diminished bonding capacity in comparison with current adhesives.

The Effect of Energy Densities on the Shear Bond Strength of Self-Adhering Flowable Composite to Er:YAG Pretreated Dentin

Objective. To investigate the shear bond strength of self-adhering flowable resin composite, to dentin, after exposing it to Er:YAG laser radiation, at different energy densities. Materials and Methods. Sixty freshly extracted human third molars were randomly divided into five groups (n = 12). In the control group, dentin was left unirradiated, whereas, in the other four groups, dentin was irradiated with Er:YAG laser in noncontact mode (MSP mode = 100 µs; 10 Hz; beam diameter: 1.3 mm; speed of 1 mm/second; air 6 mL/min; and water 4 mL/min), and respectively, with the following level of energy (50 mJ, 60 mJ, 80 mJ, and 100 mJ). Then, self-adhering flowable resin composite was bonded to all prepared dentin surfaces. Shear bond strength (SBS) was applied and fractured surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Results. SBS values showed significant differences in 60 mJ (P < 0.05) compared to other groups. Morphological evaluation revealed tags or plugs in dentinal tubules, especially when 60 mJ and 80 mJ were used. All four groups tended to leave more residues on the dentin surface, than the control group. Conclusion. Er:YAG dentin irradiation may enhance SBS of the self-adhering flowable resin composite when it is used at the appropriate low level of energy density.

Pediatric patients tolerance: a comparative study about using of Er:YAG laser and self-adhesive flowable composite for treatment of primary decayed teeth

Aim

To verify the tolerance of children aged between 3 and 8 years, having class I caries and treated with Er:YAG Laser in association with a new self-adhesive flowable resin in comparison with a high-speed diamond bur and a conventional flowable resin treatment.

Methods

A group of 80 healthy children (43 male and 37 female) ranging in age from 3 to 8 years, who had been diagnosed with at least one active occlusal non-cavitated superficial carious lesions in first or second deciduous molars, were selected for the present study. They were divided in 4 groups: group A: Class I occlusal cavities prepared using an Er:YAG laser and a self-adhesive flowable resin; Group B: Class I occlusal cavities prepared using an Er:YAG laser and a conventional flowable resin; Group C: Class I occlusal cavities prepared using a high-speed diamond bur and a self-adhesive flowable resin; Group D: Class I occlusal cavities prepared using a high-speed diamond bur and a conventional flowable resin. Before and after the treatments the patient tolerance was tested with the modified Wong-Baker pain level scale.

Results

In the first group, the tolerance rate was 95% with 0 score (no hurt) for 19 patients; in Group D, the tolerance rate was 75%. Just one child of group D experienced hurting worst because of non cooperative patient.

Conclusion

From these results it emerged that, although the limits of the study, Er:Yag laser in association with self-adhering composite, is very effective in pediatric dentistry and is a good treatment option especially for non cooperative patients.

Evaluation of Er,Cr:YSGG Laser Effect on Microshear Bond Strength of a Self-Adhesive Flowable Composite in the Dentin of Permanent Molar: An In Vitro Study

Aim and Background. Recently, new restorative materials such as self-adhesive flowable composites, because of their simple use and no need to bonding and etching, are considered important, particularly in pediatric dentistry. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser on microshear bond strength of self-adhesive flowable composite on permanent teeth dentin in vitro. Material and Methods. In this experimental study, 40 dentin sections were prepared from healthy third molars and divided into two groups according to their surface preparation by Er,Cr:YSGG laser or without laser, only with silicon carbide paper. In each group, two groups of 10 teeth were treated with self-adhesive flowable composite (Dyad) and conventional flowable composite (acid etch and bonding). Samples were stored in normal saline and after 48 hours their bond strength was measured. The failure mode of samples was observed on stereomicroscope. In order to analyse the results, the one way ANOVA and Tukey's test for multiple comparisons were used. Result. The maximum bond strength was related to conventional flowable composite with laser preparation group (24/21 Mpa). The lowest one was seen in Dyad composite without laser emitting (9/89 Mpa). The statistical difference between this two groups was significant (P value = 0/0038). The microshear bond strength differences between Dyad composite groups with laser preparation (mean = 16/427 ± 1/79) and without laser preparation (mean = 12/85 ± 1/90) were statistically significant too (P value = 0/01). Conclusion. Self-adhesive flowable composite has lower microshear bond strength than conventional flowable composite. Moreover, the laser irradiation as a surface treatment can improve this bond strength.

Effect of laser preparation on adhesion of a self-adhesive flowable composite resin to primary teeth

The aim of the study was to evaluate the adhesion of a self-adhering flowable composite resin to primary tooth enamel and dentin after silicon carbide paper (SiC) and laser pretreatment. Adhesive properties were evaluated as shear bond strength (SBS) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) characteristics. A total 120 primary canine teeth were randomly divided into two groups to study enamel and dentin. Each group was divided into 6 subgroups (n = 10) according to type of surface preparation (SiC or Er:YAG laser) of enamel or dentin. Three methods were used to build cylinders of restoration on tooth surface: OptiBond All-In-One + Premise Flowable composite, OptiBond All-In-One + Vertise Flow and Vertise flow. After restoration, samples were tested for SBS and failure mode. Twenty eight samples were examined by SEM. The results of the study showed SBS of Vertise Flow was lower than others in enamel and dentin samples pretreated with SiC and in dentin samples pretreated with laser (P < 0.001). Compared to SiC pretreatment, laser pretreatment led to a significantly higher SBS with Vertise Flow on enamel (P < 0.001). Vertise Flow associated with the adhesive led to a higher SBS in enamel and dentin compared to Vertise Flow alone. Adhesive and mixed failure modes were observed more frequently in Vertise Flow groups. SEM images showed that Vertise Flow led to more irregularities on enamel and more open dentinal tubules after laser ablation compared SiC pretreatment.

Effect of different surface treatments on the shear and microtensile bond strength of resin-modified glass ionomer cement to dentin

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) and shear bond strength (SBS) of resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) to dentin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-two extracted human molars were flattened to obtain dentin surfaces. For SBS assessment 40 teeth were divided into four groups according to their surface treatments (acid etching, Er:YAG laser QSP mode, Er:YAG laser MSP mode and control-SiC) (n = 10). A plastic cylinder was placed over the differently treated dentin surfaces and RMGIC was placed into the rings and polymerized. Twelve teeth were used for the μTBS test. The treated dentin surfaces described above were restored with 4 mm high RMGIC and light cured; then, the specimens were sectioned into serial sticks (n = 15) and μTBS and SBS were tested for failure in a testing machine with a 1 mm/min crosshead speed. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

Acid etching showed significantly higher SBS than the other groups (p < 0.05). Er:YAG QSP and MSP-treated groups showed higher SBS values than the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Er:YAG MSP showed the highest μTBS value followed by acid etching, whereas the control group exhibited the lowest value (p < 0.05) and the differences between the control group and Er:YAG QSP were not significant (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The application of Er:YAG MSP mode and acid etching to dentin can be used for improving the bond strength of RMGIC.

Effect of different surface treatments on the microtensile bond strength of two self-adhesive flowable composites

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of two different self-adhesive flowable composite materials (SACs) to dentin. Forty extracted human molars were horizontally flattened to expose the dentin surfaces. The teeth were divided into eight groups according to the surface treatments (acid etching, Er:YAG laser quantum square pulse (QSP) mode, and Er:YAG laser medium-short pulse (MSP) mode at 10 Hz, 1.2 W, 120 mJ, and control-SiC) and SAC type (Vertise Flow and Fusio Liquid Dentin) (n = 5). Light cured 4-mm-high composite build-ups were made on the dentin surfaces, and the specimens were sectioned into serial sticks (n = 15). Later, the specimens were attached to microtensile testing machine and tensile force was applied at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min until failure occurred. The failure modes were evaluated using a stereomicroscope at ×40 magnification, and one sample from each group was used for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluation. The data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test (α = 0.05). In all surface treatment groups along with the control groups, Vertise Flow showed better μTBS than the Fusio Liquid Dentin with the exception of the Er:YAG MSP mode surface treatment (p < 0.05). Etching with phosphoric acid and the Er:YAG QSP mode surface treatment significantly increased the μTBS of Vertise Flow (p < 0.05). Etching with phosphoric acid, Er:YAG QSP mode surface treatment, and Er:YAG MSP mode surface treatment significantly increased the μTBS of Fusio Liquid Dentin (p < 0.05). The μTBS of Vertise Flow was higher than the μTBS of Fusio Liquid Dentin. The Er:YAG laser irradiation increased the μTBS of both self-adhesive flowable resin composites in two pulse modes tested (MSP or QSP). However, the highest μTBS was recorded when Vertise Flow was applied with acid etching.

Bonding strength of silorane-based composite to Er-YAG laser prepared dentin

The aim of this study was to investigate the shear bond strength of two adhesive systems to laser-irradiated dentin compared with their shear bond strength to bur-cut dentin as well as to evaluate the influence of composition and type of dental materials on shear bond strength. Thirty-two dentin specimens prepared from human third molars were divided into two groups and conditioned either with an Er:YAG laser machine or with a carbide bur. Two different adhesive systems (Silorane System Adhesive and Single Bond) were evaluated in the present study. After light curing of the adhesives, a Teflon mold was placed over the ring with the dentin sample and filled with the composite resins Filtek Silorane and Filtek Z250 combined with the appropriate adhesive systems. This procedure resulted in 32 cylindrical specimens (3 mm in diameter, 4 mm in height) being bonded to the dentin. The specimens were stored for 24 h at 37 °C in water and then were thermocycled. Shear bond strength testing was conducted by means of a universal testing machine and failure patterns were analyzed under a stereomicroscope. Two specimens of each fracture failure mode were randomly selected for SEM evaluation. Filtek Silorane present no statistically significant difference in shear bond strength compared with Filtek Z250, regardless of dentin treatment (p > 0.05). Additionally, the self-etching Silorane Adhesive System exhibited as good adhesive values as etch-and-rinse Single Bond, independently on dentinal substrate (p > 0.05). Specimens prepared by Er:YAG laser appear as receptive to adhesive procedures as conventional carbide bur-cut specimens (p > 0.05).