Histological changes induced by CO2 laser microprobe specially designed for root canal sterilization: in vivo study

Sixty-six class-II CAD/CAM-manufactured ceramic inlays (Cerec) were placed in 27 patients. Each patient received at least one inlay luted with a dual-cured resin composite and one inlay luted with a chemically cured resin composite. The inlays were examined 5 years after luting using the California Dental Association (CDA) criteria. Eighty-nine percent of the 66 inlays were rated 'satisfactory'. During the follow-up period replacement was required for 3 inlays because of inlay fractures (4.5%) and 1 inlay because of fracture of the tooth substance (1.5%). All those inlays were luted with the dual-cured resin composite luting agent. Of the remaining 62 inlays the CDA rating 'excellent' was given to 84% for color, 97% for surface, and 81% for anatomic form. 'Excellent' margin integrity was seen in 52% of the dual-cured resin composite luted inlays and in 61% of the chemically cured resin composite luted inlays. No statistically significant (P> 0.05) difference was observed between the two luting agents.