The effect of different energy levels of the Er: YAG laser on the repair bond strength of a nanohybrid composite resin

Abstract

This study evaluates the durability of repair microshear bond strength (µSBS) of nanohybrid composite resins which surfaces are treated with different laser parameters and bur. A total of 240 nanohybrid composite resin disk shaped specimens were prepared. Then, specimens were divided into eight test groups as regards to surface treatment types (Erbium (Er:YAG) laser with seven different parameters and bur). Half of the specimens in each group were subjected to 5000 thermal cycling (TC) and the other half to 20,000 TC. Universal testing machine was used for µSBS test. The data were analyzed with a two-way analysis of variance and Tukey test. Among the specimens treated with ER:YAG laser+5000 TC, we detected the highest mean µSBS test values in the subgroups L200 and L250. Among the specimens treated with ER:YAG laser+20,000 TC, the highest mean µSBS test values were seen in the L200 subgroup. The µSBS values after the 20,000 TC were significantly lower than those after 5000 TC for all different treatment types. Thermal cycling and laser energy levels have effects on repair µSBS. Considering the bond strength and durability it seems more effective to use Er:YAG laser at 200 mJ. To repair an aged nanohybrid composite resin, Er:YAG laser surface treatments may provide some benefits by acquiring a reliable bond strength with durability. This study may give information on which parameters are more suitable to use Er:YAG laser for the repair of nanohybrid composite resins.