[Surface polishing of posterior composites]

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Dental Materials Science

Context:

• Assessing the surface characteristics of dental restorative materials is crucial for clinical performance and patient outcomes.
• Composite resins and dental alloys are commonly used for posterior restorations, each with distinct surface properties.
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is a key technique for evaluating surface topography and irregularities at a micro-level.

Purpose:

• To evaluate and compare the in vitro surface smoothness of three posterior composite resins (P-30, P-50, Clearfil Photo Posterior) using SEM.
• To compare the surface characteristics of these composite resins with a non-gamma-2 dental alloy (Dispersalloy).

Summary:

• SEM analysis revealed that composite resin surfaces exhibited surface irregularities due to filler particles relative to the matrix.
• In contrast, the Dispersalloy (non-gamma-2 alloy) restorations presented a perfectly polished surface.
• The surface quality of the alloy restorations was found to be comparable to that of natural enamel.

Impact:

• Findings suggest that dental alloys may offer superior surface smoothness compared to certain composite resins for posterior restorations.
• This difference in surface topography could influence plaque accumulation, wear resistance, and long-term clinical success.
• Further research into composite resin surface modification could enhance their clinical applicability in demanding posterior environments.