Effect of neutralization and hydrofluoric acid precipitate remotion on the compressive strength of monolithic lithium disilicate crowns.

BACKGROUND: The cleaning protocol for the ceramic surface after acid etching resulted in a decrease in bond strength and flexural strength of a glass ceramic. This study aims to evaluate the effect of different ceramic surface treatments after hydrofluoric acid etching (HF) on the compressive strength of monolithic lithium disilicate crowns. METHODS: Forty (40) human third molars received conventional full coverage preparation. After performing digital impressions of teeth preparations, ceramic blocks were machined using a CAD/CAM system in order to obtain the crowns. The crowns were distributed in 4 groups as ceramic surface treatment (N.=10): (HF) - 4.9% HF for 20s + air-water spray for 30s; (HFN) - HF + neutralizing agent for 5 min (N); (HFU) - HF + ultrasonic bath for 5 min (U); e (HFNU) - HF + N + U. SEM and EDS analysis was performed in each group in order to characterize the ceramic surface and to verify the chemical element distribution after HF cleaning protocols. A silane layer was applied (for 60s), and crowns were then cemented with dual resin cement. A compressive load was applied on the middle of the occlusal crown surface with a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min until fracture. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey test (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Fluoride ions were found in samples of all postetching cleaning protocols. The mean value (Kgf) was: HF =169.92+/-21.37; HFN =187.34+/-34.79; HFU =166.63+/-40.22 and HFNU=175.26+/-40.22. The ceramic surface treatment after HF etching did not significantly influence (P>0.05) the compressive strength of the tested ceramic crowns. CONCLUSIONS: Surface treatments with neutralizing agent associated with the ultrasonic bath as the pre-cementation protocol was the most efficient protocol in eliminating the precipitate deposited on the porosities created by acid etching.