Evaluation of the Effect of Glow Discharge Plasma Surface Treatment on Bonding Cements to Zirconia

BACKGROUND: The major difference in the chemical composition of Y-TZP ceramics, as compared with conventional porcelain, led researchers to develop alternative solutions for achieving durable and long term bonding with the zirconia surface. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to evaluate the effects of glow discharge treatment on the bonding between cement and zirconia. METHODS: The zirconia rings and rods were prepared with the Zirconia Y-TZP powder and TZ-3YSB-E (Tosoh-Zirconia) through auto-mix to investigate the glow discharge and thermo-cycling. An orientation Teflon mold was used to centralize each rod into the zirconia ring, and aided as a cementation jig during the cementation procedure. RESULTS: Cohesive failure (2/3 or more of luting agent remained on the zirconia surface) has been majorly observed with RelyX Ultimate, while adhesion failure (less than 1/3 of the luting agent remained on the zirconia surface) has been primarily observed in Ketac-Cem. Mixed failure was observed among the three specimen including Rely X Unicem 2, Multilink Auto-mix and Ceramir. CONCLUSION: The glow discharge surface treatment procedure had a major impact on bond strength to zirconia.