Surface Modification of Monolithic Zirconia Using Sandblasting and Laser Methods

In this study, zirconia specimens were subjected to Al2O3 airborne-particle abrasion and Er laser irradiation to investigate their effects on surface characteristics. The treated and untreated zirconia surfaces were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), qualitative elemental analysis by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Raman spectroscopy, XRD analysis, and power spectral density (PSD) analysis. The Er laser-treated group showed the highest mean surface roughness (Sa: 7.763 ± 2.449 µm), compared with the Al2O3-treated group (3.640 ± 2.164 μm); however, the differences in Sa among the experimental groups were not statistically significant (Kruskal–Wallis, p = 0.095). Likewise, no statistically significant differences were observed for Sz (one-way ANOVA, p = 0.567). SEM, AFM, and PSD analyses provided complementary information on the morphological and spatial characteristics of the surfaces produced by the different treatments. Under the experimental conditions evaluated, Er laser irradiation produced distinct surface topographic features and a descriptive trend toward higher mean Sa values, but statistical superiority over Al2O3 airborne-particle abrasion or the untreated control was not demonstrated. Further studies are required to determine whether these surface modifications translate into functional or clinical benefits.