MEANDROS MEDICAL AND DENTAL JOURNAL, cilt.27, sa.1, ss.124-132, 2026 (ESCI, TRDizin)
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser irradiation at different energy intensities on the shear bond strength (SBS) between mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and glass ionomer cement (GIC).
Material and Methods: Forty standardized MTA specimens were prepared and stored at 37 °C and 100% humidity for 72 hours. The specimens were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10). The control group received no surface treatment, while the other groups were irradiated with an Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 0.10 W, 0.25 W, or 0.50 W power settings, respectively. Following surface treatment, GIC was applied on all samples in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. SBS testing was performed using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until failure occurred. The failure modes were assessed under a stereomicroscope at ×32 magnification, and surface morphology was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were statistically analyzed using Welch’s ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s T3 post hoc test with a significance level set at P < 0.05.
Results: SBS values differed significantly among groups (Welch ANOVA, p=0.021). The 0.25 W group showed significantly higher SBS than the control, 0.10 W, and 0.50 W groups (Dunnett’s T3, p<0.05). No significant differences were found among the control, 0.10 W, and 0.50 W groups.
Conclusions: Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation, especially at 0.25 W, enhances the adhesion between MTA and GIC. Laser treatment with optimized parameters may serve as an effective surface modification method to improve bonding.