Exploring Zirconia Adhesion: Pre and Postsintering Physical Surface Treatment, Chemical Treatment, and Cement Interactions

Background: Adhesion to zirconia remains a significant dental challenge. This study is aimed at assessing the bond strength of zirconia based on surface treatment with pre or postsintering sandblasting associated with different chemical treatments and resin cements. Methods: Zirconia blocks were divided into 12 experimental groups based on the surface treatment (presintering sandblasting or postsintering sandblasting/tribochemical abrasion treatment), chemical treatment (none, Single Bond Universal, or Signum Zirconia Bond), and choice of cement (Panavia F or RelyX™ U200). The bond strength was measured by shear tests using a universal testing machine. The fracture analysis was performed using stereomicroscopy. Data were analyzed using three-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 5%). Results: Triple and double factor's interactions were not significant (p > 0.05). Regarding the surface treatment factor, the bond strength following postsintering sandblasting treatment associated with tribochemical abrasion (9.15 ± 3.62 MPa) was significantly higher than presintering sandblasting treatment (5.24 ± 3.53 MPa). Concerning the chemical treatment factor, bond strengths were ranked as follows: Signum Zirconia Bond > Single Bond Universal > no treatment. The bond strength of the resin cements did not differ among them. Most fractures (67%) were classified as adhesive, and 32% were categorized as mixed fractures. Conclusion: Surface treatment via postsintering sandblasting combined with tribochemical abrasion demonstrated superior efficacy than in presintering sandblasting. Additionally, chemical treatment with zirconia primer increased the bond strength of zirconia irrespective of the surface physical treatment.