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Surface roughness and cutting efficiency of composite finishing instruments
1University of Giessen, Dental School, Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Germany.
Operative Dentistry
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Finishing diamonds offer high cutting efficiency for composite restorations but create rough surfaces. Tungsten carbide burs yield smooth surfaces with less cutting efficiency, making them ideal for finishing.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Restorative dentistry
- Biomaterials engineering
Background:
- Composite restorations require precise trimming for optimal function and aesthetics.
- Various instruments, including finishing diamonds and tungsten carbide burs, are used for composite trimming.
- Evaluating instrument performance is crucial for effective clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the suitability of finishing diamonds, tungsten carbide burs, and a ceramic instrument for trimming small-particle hybrid composite.
- To quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate surface roughness and cutting efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Seventy Herculite XRV specimens were trimmed with different instruments.
- Surface roughness was measured using an optical laser pick-up.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examined surface topography.
- Cutting efficiency was assessed at 2.5 N pressure.
Main Results:
- Finishing diamonds exhibited high cutting efficiency but resulted in rougher composite surfaces.
- Tungsten carbide finishing burs produced smoother surfaces with lower cutting efficiency.
- Significant differences in surface roughness and cutting efficiency were observed.
Conclusions:
- A 15-40 micron finishing diamond is recommended for gross removal and contouring.
- Tungsten carbide burs are suitable for the final finishing of composite restorations.
- Instrument selection impacts the surface quality and efficiency of composite trimming.