The influence of pulse duration and exposure time of Er,Cr:YSGG laser on lithium disilicate laminate debonding, an in vitro study

PROBLEM STATEMENT: Grinding restorations, such as veneers, with rotary instruments, is the conventional removal approach. It may be accompanied by micro-fractures that affect the adjacent healthy dental structures. Differentiation of the veneer from the dental structure, as well as the resin cement, is not a highly selective procedure when rotary instruments are used. Moreover, the rotary instruments may lead to scratches and overheating of the enamel. Patient discomfort is another disadvantage, due to the noise of the drill. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to examine the effectiveness of a 2790 nm Er,Cr:YSGG laser to debond lithium disilicate laminate, utilizing two distinct pulse durations and various exposure times. The shear bond strength, intrapulpal temperature, and adhesive remaining index were evaluated. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This study included three groups of 75 extracted permanent mandibular incisors: G1, G2 (laser-treated groups were classified according to the pulse duration) and C (control group). Twenty five samples were regarded for each group. Both test groups were irradiated with a 3 W output power of Er,Cr:YSGG laser, for a variety of time intervals (20 s, 30 s, 40 s, 50 s, and 60 s). Five samples were tested for each time interval. During irradiation, the temperature in the pulp chamber was monitored using a K-type thermocouple connected to a digital multilogger thermometer that was introduced into the prepared sample pulp chamber. Subsequently, the shear bond strength was measured for G1 and G2, in addition to the control group (no irradiation). The adhesive remaining index was examined microscopically. The area was measured and analysed, and then, transformed into scores for comparisons. Finally, One untreated sample and two other samples of the highest power value from laser-treated groups were examined for their surface morphology by scanning electron microscope (SEM). RESULTS: The debonding protocols were safe relative to the intrapulpal protocol. The temperature rise after an exposure time of 50 s and 60 s was significantly different from an exposure time of 20 s, 30 s, and 40 s, in both groups (p < 0.05). Both G1 and G2 significantly outperformed the control group in shear bond strength. There was no significant difference between G1 and G2 at any of the tested exposure times (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, the 60 s exposure time showed the lowest shear bond strength. CONCLUSION: Regarding intralpulpal temperature, both modes can be safely used to remove laminate veneers. In sum, an exposure time of 50 s and a pulse duration of 60 μs demonstrated superior results for SBS, adhesive remaining index, and temperature values. CLINICAL IMPLICATION: Lithium disilicate laminate veneers may be removed quickly, safely, and comfortably. Laser-assisted debonding of porcelain laminate veneer is recommended and does not cause any damage to the veneer or enamel surface.