Sealing quality of composites after Er:YAG laser enamel conditioning

摘要

Abstract: Microleakage of composite restorations was examined using an Er:YAG laser and a burr for preparation and bevelling. As can be expected, dye penetration does not depend on the method of preparation, if bevelling is performed conventionally by the burr and acid etching. Replacing the burr by the laser to bevel the margins has no advantage with respect to the microleakage. Further investigations on the basis of a mechanically prepared bevel revealed only minimal dye penetration and high tensile strength for an Er:YAG laser conditioning of enamel, if an appropriate irradiation pattern is used. From these results the applicability of the Er:YAG laser alternatively to the acid etching technique can be concluded. !11