Zirconia Surface Treatment by Different Output Powers of Er: YAG Laser and Sandblasting: SEM Evaluation

Background Application of zirconia in dentistry has increased due to its good properties. Since zirconia is not possible to be etched, evaluation of the other methods of surface treatment is important. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate zirconia surfaces treated by different output powers of Er: YAG laser and sandblasting technique by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Materials and Methods ۱۵ specimens were prepared of ۳Y-TZP ceramic material. After polishing of all the samples, divided into ۵ groups; control group, ۱.۵ W Er: YAG laser irradiated group, ۲.۵W Er: YAG laser irradiated group, ۳.۵ W Er: YAG laser irradiated and sandblasted group. Then SEM image of each group were prepared and analyzed. Results The SEM images of study groups showed there is no significant difference between control group and laser groups at × ۳۰۰۰, but at the more magnifications (× ۱۵۰۰۰ and × ۶۰۰۰۰), with increasing laser power, surface roughness and deformation of crystals increases. SEM of Sandblasted group showed a change in surface texture with the formation of microretentive grooves and deformation of zirconia crystals shape. Conclusions By increasing the Er: YAG laser power on zirconia ceramics, the surface roughness increases but not impressive. Application of sandblasting technique on zirconia provides greater surface roughness than Er: YAG laser treatment. ۱.۵ W (۱۵۰ mJ) Er: YAG laser radiation has no significant effect on surface morphology of zirconia but ۲.۵ W (۲۵۰ mJ) and ۳.۵ W (۳۵۰ mJ) outputs, change the surface morphology.

Keywords:

Zirconia , Er YAG Laser , Morphology