Effect of extrinsic pigmentation and surface treatments on biaxial flexure strength after cyclic loading of a translucent ZrO ceramic.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of extrinsic pigmentation on the biaxial flexural strength and surface topographic of translucent Y-TZP (InCoris TZI - Sirona - USA) subjected to several surface treatments.

Methods: Sintered zirconia discs-shaped specimens (n=120) (ø:12mm; thickness:1.2mm; ISO 6872) were prepared and divided (n=15) according to various factors: "extrinsic pigmentation" (n: without; p: with) and "surface treatments" (C: control - as sintered; A: abraded with silica-coated alumina particles (30μm); G: glazed with a thin film of low-fusing porcelain glaze; GH: glazed and etched with 10% hydrofluoridric acid for 60s.