Effect of air-polishing on surface roughness of composite dental restorative material – comparison of three different air-polishing powders

Abstract

Background: Increased composite roughness enhances bacterial adhesion and discoloration, thus increasing the risk of gingival inflammation and secondary caries. Concerns about detrimental effects of sodium bicarbonate on surface roughness influenced the development of less abrasive powders: a glycine-based powder and an erythritolbased powder, additionally -sodium bicarbonate-based powder of reduced grain size. However, there is limited evidence on effects of these materials on the surface of dental fillings. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of three air-polishing powders (of a reduced abrasiveness) on surface roughness of microhybrid restorative composite material. Material and methods: Microhybrid light-cure resin composite samples were placed on 64 plaster cubes and light-cured through polyester strips. Surface roughness was measured using laser confocal microscope (magnification 2160x). The specimens were randomly divided into three groups (n = 20, 20 and 24) and airpolished with: sodium bicarbonate (40 μm), glycine (25 μm) and erythritol (14 μm), respectively. Then surface roughness was remeasured, keeping the same field of observation. Specialized 3D analysis software was used for data processing. Parameters according to ISO 25178: Sa, Sq, Sku, Sp, Sv, Sz, Ssk were used to describe surface roughness. Results: Sa, Sq, Sp, Sv, Sz increased significantly following air polishing. Ssk was significantly higher, whereas Sku was significantly lower in sodium bicarbonate and erythritol groups than before air polishing. Comparison between the three powders revealed that Sa was significantly higher in sodium bicarbonate group than in glycine group. Sku was significantly higher in glycine and erythritol groups than in sodium bicarbonate group. Conclusions: Sodium bicarbonate has a stronger detrimental effect on composite surface than glycine or erythritol. No advantage of erythritol comparing to glycine could be found.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Abrasiveness of Novel Bioactive Glass Powders (Biominf®) on Ivory Dentine in Air Polishing Procedures Compared to Selected Reference Powders

“…This contradicts a previous study showing that glycine powder resulted in significantly less substance loss when compared with sodium bicarbonate [8]. Also, the finding of this study showed no significant difference in the wear depth between glycine and erythritol, which is in accordance with a previous study indicating that these powders have a similar surface-damaging potential [24].…”

Efficacy evaluation of rubber cup and air polishing techniques using glycine in plaque and stain removal - A clinical trial

“…There seems to be no dearth of reports incriminating sodium bicarbonate polishing powder for severe root damage within short applications. [ 15 16 17 ] It has also been contraindicated in cases with sodium restricted diet hypertension and renal insufficiency etc.…”

Influence of Different Plaque Control Methods and Hydrothermal Aging on Structural Properties of Monolithic Zirconia

“…Previous studies investigating the effect of air-abrasive powders on teeth and dental materials showed that sodium bicarbonate powder increases the roughness of tooth and composite surfaces. Glycine and erythritol also have surface changing effects, but they are less abrasive (26,36,37). Glycine powder causes the least surface damage during the removal of plaque on different restorative materials (38).…”