Microleakage of composite resin restoration in cavities prepared by Er:YAG laser irradiation in primary teeth

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ABSTRACT

Aim

The purposes of this study were to investigate the surface morphology of cavities prepared by Er:YAG laser irradiation
and to compare the microleakage degree after composite resin restoration with etched bur cavities in primary teeth, in vitro.

Methods

On the buccal (facial) and lingual (palatal) surfaces of 25 primary teeth, a round cavity was prepared with
the Er:YAG laser system and with a high-speed diamond bur, respectively. Five cavities from each group were investigated by scanning
electron microscopy (SEM). The remaining cavities were filled with a composite resin and subjected to a microleakage test (0.6
rodamine B solution) under thermocycling. Only bur cavities were acid-etched before filling. Statistical analysis was performed using the
Mann-Whitney's U test; a value of p < 0.01 was considered significant.

Results

SEM observation of the laser and etched bur cavities
revealed an absence of a smear layer; enamel rods and opening of dentinal tubules were recognized. No statistically significant
differences were noted between microleakage of composite resin restorations of the laser and the etched bur cavities. Crosscut sections
of the cavities with no microleakage showed good adhesion between the restorative material and dental hard tissues; there was also no
gap at the interface. DISCUSSION: The highly irregular surface or the removal of the debris-like smear layer after laser irradiation may
facilitate good adhesion of composite resin with enamel or dentine, and these surfaces might play a major role in decreasing
microleakage of laser cavities.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that cavities prepared by Er:YAG laser are capable of decreasing
microleakage of composite resin restorations in primary teeth, and the efficiency is similar to etched bur cavities.

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