In-Vitro SEM-EDX Analysis of Surface Roughness, Shear Bond Strength, and Color Change in Polymer-Infiltrated Ceramic Treated with Rose Bengal Activated by Low-Level Laser Therapy, Non-Thermal Plasma, and Er: YAG Laser

Abstract

The effects of various contemporary surface conditioning methods, Non-Thermal Plasma (NTP), Rose Bengal photosensitizer (RBPS) activated by low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and Er: YAG laser, on the color change (ΔE), surface roughness (Ra), and bond strength of Polymer-infiltrated Ceramics (PIC). One hundred discs were fabricated using PIC and categorized into four groups (n = 15) as follows: Group 1: HFA(S), Group 2: NTP, Group 3: RBPS activated by LLLT, and Group 4: Er: YAG laser. After preparing the surface, five samples from each group were analyzed for color difference (ΔE) surface roughness (Ra), and SBS. ANOVA was employed to compute the average and standard deviation (SD) of ΔE, Ra, and SBS. Subsequently, post hoc Tukey multiple comparisons were conducted to compare the different groups. The group of samples RBPS triggered by LLLT+HC had the highest ΔE score, while the group of HFA(S)+HC specimens had the lowest ΔE value. The specimens treated with a combination of an Er: YAG laser and HC had the highest Ra score. Collectively, the utilization of HFA+S, NTP, and Er: YAG laser yielded positive results concerning surface roughness and bond strength. Both the RBPS triggered by LLLT and Er: YAG groups exhibited noteworthy changes in the color of the specimens.