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Comparative Effects of Femtosecond, Er, Cr:YSGG, and Ho:YAG Laser Irradiation versus Hydrofluoric Acid Etching on Surface Roughness and Repair Bond Strength of Lithium Disilicate Ceramic

G.I. Basunbul, R.S. Al-Hamdan

Journal of Ceramic Science and Technology · Early View (advance online publication) (-1), pp. 1-8

DOI: 10.4416/JCST2026-00010

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Abstract

This study comparatively evaluated hydrofluoric acid (HFA) etching, Er, Cr:YSGG laser (ECL), Ho:YAG laser, and femtosecond (FS) laser irradiation on surface roughness (Ra), surface topography, and repair bond strength (RBS) of lithium disilicate ceramic (LDC) bonded to resin composite. A total of 130 rectangular LDC specimens were fabricated and randomly allocated into five groups (n = 26): untreated control (G1), 9.5 % HFA etching (G2), ECL irradiation (G3), Ho:YAG laser (G4), and FS laser (G5). Ra was assessed using a contact profilometer (n = 8), surface morphology by field emission scanning electron microscopy (n = 8), and RBS by a universal testing machine at 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed (n = 10). Failure modes were classified stereomicroscopically. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD post-hoc test (p < 0.05). G5 recorded the highest Ra (1.45 ± 0.12 μm) and RBS (15.12 ± 1.63 MPa), while G1 demonstrated the lowest Ra (0.28 ± 0.04 μm) and RBS (4.82 ± 0.93 MPa). G2, G3, and G5 demonstrated statistically comparable Ra and RBS values (p > 0.05). Within the limitations of this in vitro study, FS laser and ECL irradiation may offer clinically viable, acid-free options for intraoral LDC repair. Longitudinal clinical validation remains necessary before routine adoption.

Keywords

Lithium disilicate ceramic, surface roughness, repair bond strength, Ho:YAG laser, femtosecond laser, hydrofluoric acid, resin composite

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