Dentinal surface roughness: a comparison of tooth preparation techniques

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Engineering

Background:

• Standardized dentinal surfaces are essential for reliable in vitro evaluation of dental luting and bonding agents.
• Current preparation methods yield variable results, impacting the accuracy of adhesion and performance studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the surface roughness of dentinal preparations created by different dental instruments.
• To identify preparation methods that yield reproducible and standardized dentinal surfaces for in vitro research.

Main Methods:

• Forty-eight human molars were prepared using silicon carbide paper, carbide burs, or diamond burs under a dental handpiece with water spray.
• Surface roughness of the prepared dentinal surfaces was quantitatively analyzed using a profilometer.
• Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and the Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc test.

Main Results:

• Significant differences (p < 0.0001) in dentinal surface roughness were observed among various preparation methods.
• Super coarse, coarse, and medium grit diamond burs, when used with a high-speed handpiece and water spray, produced surfaces statistically similar to those prepared with 60-grit silicon carbide paper.
• Fine grit diamonds mimicked surfaces prepared with 60-120 grit silicon carbide papers, while carbide burs produced variable surfaces depending on the manufacturer.

Conclusions:

• Certain diamond burs, particularly when used with high-speed handpieces and water spray, can effectively standardize dentinal surfaces for in vitro testing.
• The findings provide a basis for selecting appropriate preparation methods to achieve reproducible dentinal surface characteristics in dental research.
• Carbide burs offer less predictable surface preparation outcomes compared to diamond burs and abrasive papers.