Evaluation of Surface Roughness and Microbial Adhesion of Primary Esthetic Crowns: An In Vitro Study

Surface roughness plays a crucial role in microbial adhesion and retention on dental crowns, contributing to secondary infections and the development of periodontal diseases through bacterial plaque accumulation. In treating pulpitis of primary teeth via pulpectomy, dental crowns are often used as full-coverage restorative solutions. Among the most widely utilized crowns are stainless steel and zirconia crowns. However, zirconia crowns present drawbacks, such as excessive tooth reduction and increased wear on opposing teeth, while stainless steel crowns (SSCs) pose esthetic limitations. A new alternative, Edelweiss crowns, made from laser-sintered barium and vitrified composite, is gaining attention. These crowns offer esthetic appeal, biocompatibility, reduced tooth reduction, high flexural strength, and minimal abrasivity against opposing natural teeth.

This study aimed to assess the microbial adherence and surface roughness of primary esthetic crown (Edelweiss crowns) following simulated toothbrushing.

About 10 pediatric posterior Edelweiss crowns were subjected to surface roughness analysis using a stylus profilometer. The crowns underwent 10,000 brushing cycles in a toothbrush simulator (ZM3.8 SD-Mechatronik). Surface roughness measurements were recorded before and after brushing. To evaluate microbial adhesion, the crowns were incubated with Streptococcus mutans suspension, and colony-forming units (CFUs) were quantified pre- and postbrushing simulation. The data were analyzed statistically using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software (version 29).

The average surface roughness (Ra) values pre- and postbrushing were 10.517 and 7.541 µm, respectively. The average CFU of S. mutans on the crowns decreased from 1 × 10⁸ CFU/mL prebrushing to 3 × 10⁷ CFU/mL postbrushing.

Edelweiss crowns demonstrated a reduction in both surface roughness and microbial adhesion after simulated brushing, suggesting that they may help reduce the risk of gingival infections in pediatric patients while providing durable full coronal restorative outcomes.

Edelweiss crowns represent a valuable alternative to traditional crowns in pediatric dentistry in terms of surface roughness and microbial adhesion.

Shabnam TI, Pooja VR. Evaluation of Surface Roughness and Microbial Adhesion of Primary Esthetic Crowns: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(6):683-687.