Effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser on the microtensile bond strength of two different adhesives to the sound and caries-affected dentin

Objective: This study examined the effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation on the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of a three-step etch-andrinse and a two-step self-etch adhesive to sound and caries-affected dentin. Methods: Sixteen freshly extracted human molars with occlusal dentin caries were used. The caries lesion was removed by one of the following methods: conventional treatment with burs or Er,Cr:YSGG laser (Waterlase MD, Biolase). The adhesive systems (AdheSE, Ivoclar Vivadent and Scotchbond Multi Purpose, 3M ESPE) were applied to the entire tooth surface according to the manufacturers' instructions. Resin composites were applied to the adhesive-treated dentin surfaces and light-cured. Each tooth was sectioned into multiple beams with the "non-trimming" version of the microtensile test. The specimens were subjected to microtensile forces (BISCO Microtensile Tester, BISCO). The data was analyzed by three-way ANOVA. and independent t-tests (p=0.05). Results: Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation exhibited similar μTBS values compared to that of conventional bur treatment, regardless of the adhesive system and type of treated dentin. The self-etch system revealed lower uTBS values, both with conventional and laser treatment techniques, compared to the etch-and-rinse adhesive in sound and caries-affected dentin (p<0.05). Conclusion: Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation did not negatively affect the bonding performance of adhesive systems to sound and caries-affected dentin.