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Restoration surface roughness after air-powder polishing
M S Gutmann1, V A Marker, J L Gutmann
1Department of Restorative Sciences, Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas, Texas.
American Journal of Dentistry
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Air-powder polishing for 10 seconds does not significantly roughen direct restorative materials like composites, amalgam, or glass ionomers. Surface changes depend on initial material condition, with smooth surfaces potentially becoming rougher and rough surfaces smoother.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Surface Analysis
- Restorative Dentistry
Background:
- Direct restorative materials are susceptible to surface alterations.
- Air-powder polishing is a common dental procedure.
- Understanding its effect on restorative material surfaces is crucial for clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vivo surface effects of air-powder polishing on common direct restorative materials.
- To assess changes in surface roughness after a 10-second polishing period.
Main Methods:
- Hybrid composite, microfilled composite, amalgam, and glass ionomer restorations were polished for 10 seconds.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to examine pre- and post-treatment surfaces.
- A standardized visual and written rating scale (1=smoothest, 7=roughest) was employed for surface evaluation.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant difference (P <= 0.05) was found in surface roughness ratings before and after air-powder polishing.
- Surface changes were dependent on the initial surface condition; smooth surfaces tended to roughen, while rough surfaces tended to smooth.
- The random sample evaluation method was validated as reliable through correlation with paired sample analysis.
Conclusions:
- A 10-second air-powder polishing application does not significantly alter the surface roughness of hybrid composite, microfilled composite, amalgam, or glass ionomer restorations.
- The clinical impact of air-powder polishing on restorative material surfaces is minimal in terms of roughness increase.
- Initial surface condition plays a role in the observed surface modifications during air-powder polishing.