Microleakage of composite resin restoration in cavities prepared by Er:YAG laser irradiation in primary teeth.

AIM: The purposes of this study were to investigate the surface morphology of cavities prepared by Er:YAG laser irradiation and to compare the microleakage degree after composite resin restoration with etched bur cavities in primary teeth, in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On the buccal (facial) and lingual (palatal) surfaces of 25 primary teeth, a round cavity was prepared with the Er:YAG laser system and with a high-speed diamond bur, respectively. Five cavities from each group were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The remaining cavities were filled with a composite resin and subjected to a microleakage test (0.6% rodamine B solution) under thermocycling. Only bur cavities were acid-etched before filling. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney's U test; a value of p < 0.01 was considered significant. RESULTS: SEM observation of the laser and etched bur cavities revealed an absence of a smear layer; enamel rods and opening of dentinal tubules were recognized. No statistically significant differences were noted between microleakage of composite resin restorations of the laser and the etched bur cavities. Crosscut sections of the cavities with no microleakage showed good adhesion between the restorative material and dental hard tissues; there was also no gap at the interface. DISCUSSION: The highly irregular surface or the removal of the debris-like smear layer after laser irradiation may facilitate good adhesion of composite resin with enamel or dentine, and these surfaces might play a major role in decreasing microleakage of laser cavities. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that cavities prepared by Er:YAG laser are capable of decreasing microleakage of composite resin restorations in primary teeth, and the efficiency is similar to etched bur cavities.