The purpose of this study was to compare the fracture resistance of Co-Cr post-cores fabricated with 3 different techniques: traditional casting (TC), computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) milling (CCM) and direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). Forty intact human mandibular premolar were endodontically treated. The roots were then randomly divided into four groups according to the post systems: the control group was only filled with gutta percha. Co-Cr metal posts were fabricated with TC, CCM and DMLS in the other three groups. The posts were luted with a resin cement and subjected to compression test at a crosshead speed of 1mm/min. The statistical analysis of the data was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple comparison post hoc Tukey tests (α=.05). The samples were examined under a stereomicroscope with ×20 magnification for the evaluation of the fracture types. The mean fracture loads were 432.69 N for control, 608.89 N for TC, 689.40 N for DMLS and 959.26 N for CCM. One-way ANOVA revealed significant difference between the groups (p<0.01). In the post hoc Tukey test, there were significant differences between groups except DMLS and TC. While Co-Cr posts fabricated by TC and DMLS systems performed similarly in terms of fracture resistance, posts fabricated by CCM techniques showed higher fracture resistance values. Co-Cr metal posts fabricated by CCM and DMLS could be an alternative to TC processing in daily clinical application.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different surface treatments on the surface roughness of lithium disilicate-based core (IPS Empress 2, shade 210, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) and feldspathic ceramics (Vita VM9, VITA Zahnfabrik H. Rauter GmbH & Co. KG, Bad Säckingen, Germany). Background data: Er:YAG laser irradiation is expected to be an alternative surface treatment, thus enhances surface roughness of procelains and produces morphological changes. Methods: Fifty lithium disilicate-based core ceramic discs and 50 feldspathic ceramic discs were prepared (diameter, 10 mm; thickness, 1 mm) according to the manufacturers' instructions. All-ceramic discs were polished to standardize, and surface roughness of the discs was evaluated before treatment and serving as controls. Both of two ceramic groups were divided into five groups ( n =10), and the following treatments were applied: (1) sandblasting with aluminum oxide (Al ₂ O ₃ ; Group SB); (2) Al ₂ O ₃ +Er:YAG laser (Group SB-L); (3) Er:YAG laser irradiation (distance, 1 mm; 500 mJ; 20 Hz; 10W; manually, contact handpiece [R 14]) (Group L); (4) 5% hydrofluoric acid etching (Group HF); and (5) Er:YAG laser +5% hydrofluoric acid (Group HF-L). Surface roughness was evaluated by profilometry, and specimens were then examined with atomic force microscopy. Results: Data were analyzed by Wilcoxon signed rank, Mann–Whitney U , and Kruskal–Wallis tests (α=0.05). The Wilcoxon signed rank test results indicated that surface roughness after sandblasting was significantly different from the surface roughness after laser irradiation and acid etching (p <0.001). Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis test results indicated that groups SB and SB-L had significantly higher mean roughness values ( p <0.05) than those in the other groups. Conclusions: Groups SB and SB-L had rougher surfaces than the groups subjected to the other surface treatment methods. There was no significant difference in surface roughness between the HF acid etching, Er:YAG laser irradiation, and HF and Er:YAG ( p <0 .05).