Surface finish of dental composite restorative materials

Five composite filling materials were finished using six finishing procedures currently in clinical use. The average roughness produced by each procedure was measured by means of a Surfanalyzer with four replications for each procedure on each of the five materials. Statistical analysis indicated that finishing with silicon carbide disks produced the smoothest surfaces. Acceptable surfaces were obtained with stones or with burs. Use of an alumina paste after a green stone-white Arkansas sequence did not produce a significant improvement. Two processes of filler particle abrasion were distinguished by means of electron microscopy: wear and shear. Fracture striations indicated particle shear. The roughest surfaces were produced by the use of a diamond instrument which is contraindicated. Acceptable finishing procedures for the composite materials tested include silicon carbide disks for accessible areas or 12 fluted finishing burs for more inaccessible areas.