Effect of 1.23 percent APF gel on fluoride-releasing restorative materials

This study evaluated the effect of a 1.23 percent APF gel on the surface morphological characteristics and surface roughness of one high-viscosity (Fuji IX GP), three polyacid-modified resin-based composites (Dyract AP, F2000 and Compoglass F) (PMRC), and two resin-modified glass-ionomer cements (Vitremer and Fuji II LC). A microfilled nonfluoridated resin-based composite (Silux Plus) was used as a control. All materials were handled according to the manufacturers' instructions. The fluoride gel used in the study was a 1.23 percent acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (APF) (Nupro APF). The specimens were repeatedly exposed to the APF gel with cotton applicators for a period that simulated the equivalent of 4 yrs (1 min/6 mo) under prophylactic fluoride treatment. Average surface roughness (Ra) of the control and treated specimens was measured. Three separate Ra measurements along the direction of rotation of the finishing and perpendicular to the finishing direction and edge of the mold were made for each specimen surface. In each group, specimens with Ra closest to the mean were removed from the molds, sputter-coated with gold and examined using a scanning electron microscope. The results showed that all tested materials, except Vitremer, displayed increased surface roughness values following APF treatment. However, this was not statistically significant for Compoglass F, Vitremer and Fuji II LC. Among PMRC materials, F2000 displayed the highest Ra average value, although the differences between F2000 and Dyract AP and of Compoglass F and Dyract AP was not statistically significant. Comparisons of the Ra values between Silux Plus and the other test materials revealed statistically significant differences except for Dyract AP and Compoglass F. No statistically significant difference was found between the Ra values of Vitremer and Fuji II LC following APF treatment. Among all groups, Fuji IX GP displayed the highest surface roughness.