Internal adjustments decrease the fatigue failure load of bonded simplified lithium disilicate restorations.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of intaglio surface adjustment of simplified lithium disilicate ceramic restorations adhesively cemented to a dentin-like material on its fatigue behavior.

METHODS

Ceramic discs (IPS e.max CAD) were prepared and an in-Lab simulation of machining roughness was performed by grinding with SiC paper (#60). Ceramic discs were divided into 4 groups according to the internal adjustment of the cementation surface: no adjustments (CTRL); adjustment with a medium (M), fine (F), or extra fine (FF) diamond bur. Dentin-like material discs were also produced. Ceramic disc intaglio surfaces were etched (5% hydrofluoric acid; 20s) and received a silane coating. Dentin-like material discs were etched (10% hydrofluoric acid; 1min) and received a primer coating. Pairs of ceramic/dentin-like material were adhesively cemented (Multilink Automix), and fatigue failure load tests were performed using the Staircase approach (250,000 cycles; 20Hz). Roughness, topographic and fractographic analyses were performed. Statistical analyses were carried out through ANOVA tests.

RESULTS

All ground groups (M=521.3 N; F=536.9 N; FF=676.2 N) presented lower fatigue failure load values than the control (1241.6 N). M diamond bur created a rougher surface than F (Ra and Rz parameters). However, FF was similar to F and M for Ra, and similar to F for Rz.

SIGNIFICANCE

Bur adjustments on the intaglio surface of simplified lithium disilicate ceramic restorations greatly decreased the fatigue failure load even using an extra-fine diamond bur. Care should be taken when internal adjustments are needed.