Er:YAG laser cavity preparation and semi-direct composite resin restoration: a microleakage study.
OBJECTIVE
This study was performed to assess the microleakage of composite resin restorations bonded in Er:YAG laser-prepared cavities using a semi-direct technique, in comparison with diamond bur-prepared cavities.


BACKGROUND
Previous in vitro studies assessed the performance of total-etch and self-etch adhesive systems by investigating the microleakage of direct composite resin restorations.


METHODS
Class V cavities were randomly prepared in buccal and lingual surfaces of 20 human molars using a diamond bur and an Er:YAG laser (fluence 50 J/cm2). Composite resin inlays were bonded using a self-curing adhesive system and a composite resin luting cement. Microleakage was assessed using a methylene blue dye penetration method. The length of dye penetration along the occlusal margin, the length of dye penetration along the cervical margin, and the total length of the interface were recorded in millimeters. The total length of infiltration and the ratio of infiltration were then calculated.


RESULTS
The ratio of dye infiltration was 0.20 +/- 0.22 for bur-prepared cavities and 0.27 +/- 0.30 for Er:YAG laser-prepared cavities, with no significant difference (Wilcoxon test, p = 0.77).


CONCLUSIONS
In terms of microleakage, our results supported the use of the Er:YAG laser to remove carious tissues and prepare cavities in clinical practice.
Bertrand
Marie-France
MF
Laser Technology and Oral Environment, University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France. Marie-France.BERTRAND@unice.fr
Brulat
Nathalie
N
Lazzarini
Vulzio
V
Marcato
Galdino
G
Namour
Samir
S
Rocca
Jean-Paul
JP
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D003188:Composite Resins; D001840:Dental Bonding; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000601:surgery*; D003737:Dental Cavity Preparation; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008954:Models, Biological; D011140:Polyurethanes; D017211:Treatment Failure
D000180:Acrylic Resins; C029012:Composite Dental Resin; D003188:Composite Resins; D011140:Polyurethanes