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Surface Ablation and Mechanical Abrasion of Polymer-Infiltrated Ceramic: Comparative Effects on Surface Microstructure, Roughness, and Adhesive Repair Bond Durability

H.M. Khuthija Khanam, A. Barakat, S. Abdul Rahman AlTowayan, A. Begum Meer Rownaq Ali, T. Almuraikhi, A. Alhoumaidan

Journal of Ceramic Science and Technology · Early View (advance online publication) (-1), pp. 1-10

DOI: 10.4416/JCST2026-00011

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Abstract

In this study, we compared the effectiveness of airborne-particle abrasion (APA) and Er:YAG laser irradiation (2 W, 4 W) on the surface roughness (Ra), topography, and repair bond strength (RBS) of hybrid ceramic (HBC) repaired via composite bonding using a universal adhesive (UA) with or without a universal primer (UP). A total of 120 HBC discs were embedded in acrylic resin before random allocation into four surface-conditioning groups. Group 1: Control; Group 2: APA (50 µm Al2O3); Group 3: Er:YAG laser (2 W); and Group 4: Er:YAG laser (4 W). Ra was measured with a contact profilometer, and SEM was used to assess surface topography. For bond strength testing, specimens were subdivided into Subgroup A (without UP) and Subgroup B (with UP) before UA and composite build-up. Thermocycling was performed, followed by RBS testing using a universal testing machine. Failure modes were assessed stereomicroscopically, and data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey\'s. Group 1 showed the lowest mean Ra value. The highest Ra scores were recorded in Group 2 (APA). Group 2B (APA+UP+UA) displayed the highest bond strength outcomes. Whereas Group 1A (No conditioning+UA) presented lower RBS. APA and Er:YAG laser irradiation at 4 W, with universal primer application, appeared to demonstrate the most favorable outcomes in terms of Ra and RBS when bonding composite resin to HBC restorations.

Keywords

Hybrid ceramics, VITA Enamic, airborne-particle abrasion, Er:YAG laser, SEM, laser in dentistry, repair bond strength

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