The use of Erbium: Yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser in cavity preparation and surface treatment: 3-year follow-up

From the currently available choices, esthetic restorative materials for posterior teeth are limited to composite and ceramic restoration. Ceramic inlays/onlays are reliable solutions for both of these treatments. For successful treatment planning, usable ceramic and adhesive systems should be chosen by the dentist. Since the Federal Drug Administration approval of the erbium: Yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser-for caries removal, cavity preparation and the conditioning of tooth substance-in 1997, there have been many reports on the use of this technique in combination with composite resins. In addition, cavity pretreatment with the Er:YAG laser (laser etching) has been proposed as an alternative to acid etching of enamel and dentin. This case report presents the use of the Er:YAG in cavity preparation for composite resin restoration and surface treatment for ceramic onlay restoration of adjacent permanent molars.