Effect of Laser Etching and Spark Erosion on Retention and Resistance of Partial Veneer Crown Copings Luted with Adhesive Resin Cement

PURPOSE: There has been less focus on methods to improve the clinical performance of partial veneer crowns. In this study, we wanted to explore the potential of two new surface treatment modalities (laser etching and spark erosion) for improving the longevity of partial veneer crowns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Conventional partial veneer crown preparation was done on 90 extracted premolars by a single operator. All the samples used in the study were divided into three groups. Group A were samples to be treated by sandblasting alone, Group B were samples to be treated by sandblasting followed by laser etching, and Group C were samples to be treated by sandblasting followed by spark erosion. Each group consisted of two Sub Groups: Sub Group I-Retention test group, Sub Group: II-Resistance test group. The prepared teeth were randomly allotted to the three groups and subgroups using lot method. Partial veneer crown copings were fabricated for testing retention and resistance. Castings in each subgroup were luted with resin cement to their respective tooth preparations. Retention and resistance testing of samples were done with the use of an Instron Universal testing machine. RESULTS: The two surface treatments, laser etching and spark erosion (Groups B and C) of metal copings significantly improved the retention and resistance compared to sandblasted surfaces alone (P ≤ 0.05). Retention and resistance of copings which were sandblasted and spark eroded (Group C) were found to be highest among the three groups (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of this study, it can be concluded that the combination of spark erosion and sandblasting significantly improves the retention and resistance values of partial veneer crown. This study helps to provide better knowledge about the surface treatment required for success of partial veneer crowns.