Effect of Helium Plasma Exposure on Wettability and Shear Bond Strength between the Zirconia Core and Feldspathic Veneering Ceramic: An In Vitro Study

INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of helium plasma treatment on the wettability of zirconia surface and on the shear bond strength between the dental zirconia core and feldspathic veneering ceramic. METHODS: 128 zirconia specimens were prepared, polished, and then divided into four groups: control, Zr, FC, and Zr/FC. In Zr and Zr/FC groups, the zirconia blocks were treated by helium plasma for 60 s. In FC and Zr/FC, the feldspathic ceramic powder received 60 s of plasma treatment. Then, the feldspathic powder was applied on the zirconia blocks. Half of the specimens in each group were sintered in a tube furnace, and the contact angle between the zirconia core and feldspathic ceramic was measured at different time intervals. The other half were sintered in a ceramic furnace and then subjected to thermocycling. The shear bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine. The failure mode was assessed using a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA test, and the statistical significance was considered less than 0.05. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the mean contact angle and the shear bond strength values of the experimental groups (P > 0.05). The mean contact angle decreased significantly in all groups over time (P < 0.001). The modes of failure were predominantly mixed in all groups. CONCLUSION: The helium plasma applied on either dental zirconia core or feldspathic ceramic powder could not improve the zirconia surface wettability and the shear bond strength between the two ceramics.