Influence of nonthermal argon plasma on the micro-shear bond strength between resin cement and translucent zirconia

BACKGROUND: Considering the potential of translucent zirconia for application in esthetic restorations, it is necessary to find effective methods with the least adverse effects to increase its bond strength to resin cement. AIMS: This study aimed to test if different conservative surface treatments and cement types could affect the micro-shear bond strength (μSBS), failure mode, and bonding interface between resin cement and translucent zirconia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro experimental study, translucent zirconia blocks were divided into four groups based on the surface treatment they received: no treatment, argon plasma, primer (Pr), and Pr + plasma. Each group was further divided into two subgroups based on the applied cement: PANAVIA F2 and Duo-Link cement. Fourteen cement columns with a diameter of 1 mm were placed on each block (n = 14); all the specimens were immersed in 37°C water for 24 h. Afterward, μSBS was evaluated (P < 0.05), and the mode of failure was determined by a stereomicroscope (×10). The cement–zirconia interface and the surface hydrophilicity (contact angle) were also evaluated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate the effect of surface preparation, cement types, and incubator, simultaneously (P < 0.05). The bond strengths after incubation were analyzed by one-way ANOVA (P < 0.05). Failure mode, contact angle, and cement–zirconia interface were analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: The highest bond strength was seen in Pr surface treatment for Duo-Link cement; however, this group was not significantly different from Pr and PANAVIA F2 cement and Pr + plasma and Duo-Link cement (P = 0.075) groups. All plasma specimens in the incubator failed prematurely. The mode of failure in all specimens was adhesive. The lowest and highest contact angles were seen in Pr + plasma and the control groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: The use of Pr could successfully improve the bond strength of resin cement to translucent zirconia while plasma was not an acceptable and durable substitute.