Influence of different surface treatments on surface zirconia frameworks.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of different chemo-mechanical surface treatments of zirconia ceramic in the attempt to improve its bonding potential.


METHODS
Sintered zirconium oxide ceramic discs (Lava Ø10mm x 1mm height) were treated with (n=4): (1) airborne particle abrasion with 125microm Al(2)O(3) particles; (2) 9.5% HF acid etching; (3) selective infiltration etching (SIE); (4) experimental hot etching solution applied for 10, 30 and 60min; (5) no treatment. Ceramic discs surfaces were analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) recording average surface roughness measurements of the substrate. Data were statistically analyzed by Kruskall-Wallis analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney tests (alpha=0.05). The same discs were used for bi-dimensional zirconia ceramic surface characterization with scanning electron microscope (SEM).


RESULTS
Ceramic surface treatments significantly influenced surface topography and roughness (p<0.001). Bi-dimensional changes in ceramic surface morphology were assessed on a nanometric scale. The experimental hot etching solution improved surface roughness, independently from the application time.


CONCLUSIONS
Zirconia conditioning with the experimental hot etching solution may enhance ceramic roughness and improve the surface area available for adhesion allowing the formation of micromechanical retention. The influence of this surface treatment with regard to bond strength of zirconia needs to be addressed.
Casucci
Alessio
A
Department of Fixed Prosthodontics and Dental Materials, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Siena, Italy.
Osorio
Estrella
E
Osorio
Raquel
R
Monticelli
Francesca
F
Toledano
Manuel
M
Mazzitelli
Claudia
C
Ferrari
Marco
M
D020906:Air Abrasion, Dental; D003442:Crowns; D045662:Dental Etching / Q000379:methods; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D016379:Denture, Partial, Fixed, Resin-Bonded; D008422:Materials Testing; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D013499:Surface Properties; D015040:Zirconium
D003776:Dental Porcelain; D015040:Zirconium; C028541:zirconium oxide