Zirconia-based ceramics offer strong restorations in dentistry, but the adhesive bond strength of resin cements to such ceramics is not optimal. This study evaluated the influence of surface treatments on the bond strength of resin cement to yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconia (Y-TZP) ceramic. Seventy-five plates of Y-TZP ceramic were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 15) according to the surface treatments [airborne particle abrasion, neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser irradiation (Fidelis Plus 3, Fotona; 2 W, 200 mJ, 10 Hz, with two different pulse durations 180 or 320 μs), glaze applied, and then 9.5 % hydrofluoric acid gel conditioned, control]. One specimen from each group was randomly selected, and specimens were evaluated with x-ray diffraction and SEM analysis. The resin cement (Clearfil Esthetic Cement, Kuraray) was adhered onto the zirconia surfaces with its corresponding adhesive components. Shear bond strength of each sample was measured using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Bond strengths were analyzed through one-way ANOVA/Tukey tests. Surface treatments significantly modified the topography of the Y-TZP ceramic. The Nd:YAG laser-irradiated specimens resulted in both increased surface roughness and bond strength of the resin cement. The highest surface roughness and bond strength values were achieved with short pulse duration. Nd:YAG laser irradiation increased both surface roughness of Y-TZP surfaces and bond strength of resin cement to the zirconia surface.

Ceramic type and thickness should be taken into consideration to adjust the laser irradiation parameters during laser debonding of adhesively luted all-ceramic restorations.

The aim of this study was to evaluate temperature changes in the pulp chamber during polymerization of four different pulp-capping materials using a LED-light-curing-unit in the contact and noncontact positions. A pulpal circulation mechanism was simulated to measure increases in temperature in four pulp-capping materials that were applied to the occlusal dentin surface. Two different distances were used between the tip of the unit and the material surface during polymerization; 0 and 2 mm. The data were statistically analyzed using factorial-ANOVA, one-way-ANOVA, and Tukey's HSD test. There were statistically differences between contact and noncontact groups (p<0.05). Contact groups produced significantly lower temperature rise compared with noncontact groups. The highest and lowest mean temperature increases were calculated for the Biner LC and the TheraCal LC, respectively. Considering the effects of temperature rising, the distance of the light curing units from restorations should not be overlooked as well as the types of the materials.

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PURPOSETranslucency of all-ceramic restorations is an important factor which affects the final appearance and esthetic outcome of the restoration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the shade of coloring liquid on the translucency of zirconia framework.MATERIALS AND METHODSThirty zirconium oxide core plate (15 × 12 × 0.5 mm) were divided into 6 groups of 5 plates each. Each group was classified according to the shade of coloring liquid based on Vita Classic Scale (A2, A3, B1, C2, and D2), and each sample was immersed in coloring liquid for 3 seconds as recommended by the manufacturer, except for the control group. Contrast ratio, as a translucency parameter, was calculated using a spectrophotometer and the data were analyzed with oneway analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's honestly significant differences (HSD) tests (α=.05).RESULTSSignificant differences in translucency among the control and test groups, and the B1 shaded group and other shades was observed. There were no significant differences among A2, A3, C2, and D2 shaded groups.CONCLUSIONThe translucency of the zirconium oxide cores was affected by the coloring procedure and significant differences in the translucency measurements were identified between specific shades.