No abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of post-machining sintering on marginal and internal fit of CAD/CAMfabricated zirconia frameworks. Single crown copings (A: abutment), three-unit bridge frameworks (APA, P: pontic), four-unit bridge frameworks (APPA), and five-unit bridge frameworks (A1 P1 A2 P2 A3) were fabricated with raw-stage zirconia blanks using a commercial CAD/CAM system (KATANA®, Noritake Dental Supply Co. Ltd., Aichi, Japan). Crown copings and frameworks were cemented to their respective master abutment models, and thickness of the cement layer was measured at specific measuring points. Marginal and internal fit of both APA and APPA were within clinical acceptance. However, the marginal gap and thickness of the cement layer on the axial surface of the pontic side of APA and APPA were slightly higher than those of the non-pontic side. As for the marginal gap of A1 P1 A2 P2 A3 framework, it was superior to those of APA and APPA because the center abutment supported the framework to prevent distortion.

In the present study, the compositional changes and knoop hardness of the cavity floor prepared by Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation was compared with that of the conventional bur cavity. Fifteen laser and 15 bur cavities were cross-sectioned, and subjected to atomic analysis by SEM-EDX and knoop hardness test. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test; a value of P < 0.01 was considered significant. Surface characteristics of the prepared cavities were also investigated by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the quantities of Ca (Ca weight %) and P (P weight %) were increased significantly in the laser cavity floor but no significant differences were found between the Ca/P ratio and knoop hardness number of laser and bur cavities. The SEM observation revealed that the lased cavity surface was irregular and there was also the absence of a smear layer; the orifice of dentinal tubules was exposed. Er,Cr:YSGG laser device is considered as one of the most effective and safe devices for cavity preparation because of its many advantages. This includes easy delivery system, minimal thermal damage to the surrounding tissues, minimal thermal-induced changes of dental hard tissue compositions, and favourable surface characteristic.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the bonding durability of resin-based luting cement to partially stabilized tetragonal zirconia (Y-TZP) achieved by combination treatment of tribochemical (TBC) treatment and two different phosphate acid ester monomers. Two phosphate acid ester monomers (EP: Epricord opaque primer, AZ: AZ primer) were applied to each surface modification followed by application of resin-based luting cement (Rely-X ARC). Bonding specimens were placed in deionized water at 37°C and stored for 24 h. The other groups were subjected to 30,000 cycles of a thermal stress for the durability test. Shear bond tests were done using a universal testing machine at 1 mm/min. Shear bond strengths of combination treatments using EP and AZ on TBC treatment after thermal stress showed no significant difference (p>0.05) compared with those of storage after 24 h. Combination treatment using phosphoric acid ester monomer could achieve a durable bond.

The purposes of this study were to investigate the surface morphology, suface roughness of cavities prepared by Er:YAG laser irradiation, and compared the microleakage degree after composite resin restoration with etched bur cavities, in vitro. In each of the 30 human extracted teeth, two shallow cavities were prepared; one prepared with the Er:YAG laser system on the buccal surface, and one produced on the lingual (palatal) surface with a high-speed turbine. Five cavities from each group were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and five were subjected to surface roughness analysis by a colour laser three-dimensional (3D) microscope. The remaining cavities were filled with a composite resin and subjected to a microleakage test under thermocycling. Only bur cavities were acid-etched before filling. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test; a value of p <0.01 was considered significant. Morphologically, the prepared cavities showed an irregular surface with the absence of a debris-like smear layer; enamel prisms and opening of dentinal tubules were recognised. Surface roughness was significantly increased with the laser system. Microleakage test revealed no significant differences between the laser and bur cavities. Crosscut sections of the cavities with no microleakage showed no gap at the interface. Laser cavity may facilitate good adaptation of composite resin with enamel and dentine, because an increase of surface roughness and the openings of dentinal tubules may facilitate the formation of a hybrid zone, since a primer and an adhesive can penetrate the surface better when the smear layer is removed. It can be concluded that shallow cavity prepared by Er:YAG laser is capable of decreasing microleakage of composite resin restorations, and its efficiency is similar to etched bur cavities.