Effect of cavity preparation with Er:YAG laser on marginal integrity of resin composite restorations
2011 Volume 11 Issue 1 Pages 19-25
Details
2011 Volume 11 Issue 1 Pages 19-25
Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of cavity preparation with erbium-doped: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser on marginal integrity of resin composite restorations.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-one extracted human molars were divided in three groups and saucer-shaped cavity approximately 1.5 mm in depth and 2 mm in diameter was prepared on the mid-coronal surface of each tooth by Er:YAG laser at 150 mJ/10 pps, 200 mJ/10 pps or a diamond bur. After restoration with a self-etch adhesive and a resin composite, enamel cracks and gap formations at the cavosurface margin were evaluated using a digital microscope on the surface and the crosscut surface of the restoration.
Results: The cavities prepared by a diamond bur caused more enamel cracks and gap formations than lased cavities at 150 mJ/10 pps. There were no statistical differences of crack and gap formation between restored cavities by Er:YAG laser at 150 mJ and 200 mJ.
Conclusion: It was concluded that the preparation by Er:YAG laser at suitable output energy showed the better marginal integrity of resin composite restorations than that by a rotary cutting instrument.
