The Influence of Combined Surface Treatmentsusing Plasma of Argon, Er:Yag Laser and Sandblasting on the Shear Bond Strength of Zirconia Core to the Veneering Ceramic – In Vitro Study

Background: Success of zirconia-based prosthesis is greatly affected by ceramic chipping and delamination due to poor bonding between zirconia framework and veneering ceramic. This study uses combination of surface treatment with Non-thermal Argon Plasma to evaluate its effect on Shear Bond Strength (SBS). Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of different surface treatment using sandblasting, argon plasma, Er:YAG laser and its combination on SBS of zirconia to veneering ceramic. Material and Method: 150 milled and sintered zirconia blocks (10mm x 18mm) were subjected to various surface treatments and were randomly divided into five groups according to the surface treatment methods namely. Group 1: Argon plasma(220 V,100W and constant gas pressure 1 kg/cm2 and gas flow 8.5L/min) + Liner (E max ceram zirliner), Group 2: Atmospheric pressure argon plasma, Group 3: Sandblasting, Group 4: Sandblasting + Laser ablation ( Er:YAG ; 300mJ/pulse energy, frequency-10Hz ) + Argon plasma and Group 5: Sandblasting + Argon plasma. Specimens were subjected to shear bond strength test by a universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. The data were analysed with one-way ANOVA and Bonferoni test for multiple comparisons tests (α=0.05). Result: Highest shear bond strength value was obtained for Group 4 followed by Group 5, Group 3, Group 2 with least value obtained for Group 1. Conclusion: This study shows that sandblasting + Er:YAG + Argon plasma showed higher shear bond strength when compared to other groups.