Surface roughness and wettability of enamel and dentine surfaces prepared with different dental burs

The aim of dental adhesive restorations is to produce a long lasting union between the restoration and the tooth structure. This bond depends on many variables including the geometry of the preparation and the type of bonding agent or luting cement. It is therefore suggested that the topography of the tooth surface may influence the wettability and the bonding quality of adhesive systems. This study measured the surface roughness and wettability of enamel and dentine after preparation with different dental burs. The mesial and distal surfaces of 15 extracted sound human premolar teeth were prepared with a tungsten carbide crown bur, a diamond bur and a tungsten carbide finishing bur and finished in enamel or dentin, respectively. The prepared surfaces were analysed with a surface profilometer and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The contact angle of distilled water on each of the prepared surfaces was used as the measure of wettability. The differences in average surface roughness (Ra) were significant between the rotary instrument groups, as revealed by a two-way ANOVA test. No differences were detected between enamel and dentine surfaces prepared with the same type of dental bur. The smoothest surfaces were those completed with tungsten carbide finishing burs. The diamond bur preparations were intermediate in the roughness assessment and the tungsten carbide crown burs gave the roughest surfaces. There were no significant differences in the contact angle measurements for the various groups. It was concluded that the surface roughness of enamel and dentine prepared by different rotary instruments had no significant influence on the wettability of distilled water on these surfaces.     

The effects of tooth preparation on pressure measured in the pulp chamber: a laboratory study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine pressure changes in the pulp space during tooth preparation with either diamond or tungsten carbide burs in a high-speed dental handpiece in the laboratory. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty premolar teeth were collected and randomly assigned to two groups: group 1 received preparation with diamond burs and group 2 with tungsten carbide burs. The teeth were mounted on a pressure transducer and the pulp chambers were filled with saline. A 0.1-mm thickness of tooth tissue was removed from the proximal surface of each tooth, alternating dry and wet cutting, until the pulp chamber was exposed. Pressure and temperature changes were recorded during tooth preparation. RESULTS: At 0 to 1 mm of remaining dentin depth dry cutting with diamond and tungsten carbide burs generated a mean positive pulpal pressure of 12 kPa and 6 kPa, respectively. Wet cutting under the same conditions produced 0.6 kPa and 0.15 kPa, respectively. The difference between wet and dry cutting was highly significant (P < 0.001). Diamond burs produced significantly higher pressure increases than carbide burs at all levels for both wet and dry techniques (P < 0.05). When cutting farther than 2 mm from the pulp, tooth preparation created a mean 0.09-kPa pressure increase, which was not influenced by either coolant use or bur type. The temperature change was minimal during wet cutting and only minor temperature increases were recorded during dry cutting. CONCLUSION: From this laboratory study it is concluded that significant pressure changes occur in the pulp chamber during tooth preparation of extracted teeth when the remaining dentin thickness is less than 2 mm.     

Longhurst釉质微打磨后漂白牙釉质表面形态的扫描电镜观察

目的：观察牙齿Longhurst法釉质微打磨以及与家庭漂白联合应用后釉质表面形态的变化。方法：24个离体牙随机分为3组,组为对照组,B组采用Longhurst釉质微打磨,即35%磷酸酸蚀,然后钨钢车针打磨,组采用ACLonghurst法打磨后家庭漂白4周,通过扫描电镜观察釉质表面形态的变化。结果：Longhurst法釉质微打磨后牙釉质表层釉柱结构消失,继续漂白4周,釉质不规则孔隙增多。结论：Longhurst是釉质表面的机械磨除,而随后的漂白可造成釉质的脱矿表现。     

Effect of different splint removal techniques on the surface roughness of human enamel: a three-dimensional optical profilometry analysis

Abstract –  Because there is no standard protocol for the removal of resin-based materials that retain semi-rigid trauma splints on teeth, iatrogenic enamel damage caused by various splint removal techniques has remained unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of five different resin removal techniques (H6/H7 scaler, ultrafine diamond bur, ultrasonic scaler, 16-blade tungsten carbide bur, and Sof-Lex disks) on the surface roughness of human enamel. Three-dimensional white-light interferometry, a non-contact profilometry technique, was used to obtain qualitative and quantitative measurements of surface roughness both at baseline and after finishing procedures. Statistical analysis using Friedman test and Wilcoxon signed ranks test showed that the roughest enamel surface was obtained after splint removal with the hand scaler ( P  < 0.05). Overall, the smoothest enamel surface was obtained after removal of resin with Sof-Lex disks and the 16-blade tungsten carbide bur ( P  < 0.05).     

Effect of finishing time and techniques on marginal sealing ability of two composite restorative materials

STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS: Finishing of composites may adversely influence the sealing ability of direct adhesive restorations. PURPOSE: This study was conducted to determine whether finishing time and techniques under wet or dry conditions affect the microleakage of 2 types of class V composite restorations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty class V preparations were made in the buccal surfaces of noncarious molars with the occlusal margins ending in enamel and the gingival margins in dentin. Dental adhesive (Single Bond) was applied according to the manufacturer's instructions. Half of the preparations were restored with a microfilled composite (Silux Plus) and the other half with a hybrid composite (Filtek Z250). Within each major composite group (n = 40), 4 subgroups (n = 10) were established based on finishing technique (diamond finishing burs or aluminum oxide discs) and finishing time (immediate or delayed by 24 hours). The specimens were stored for 24 hours in 37 degrees C water, thermocycled for 250 cycles between 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C, immersed in 2% methylene blue solution for another 24 hours, and sectioned longitudinally. For both enamel and dentin margins, dye solution penetration at the tooth/composite interface was scored from 0 to 4 under stereoscopy at original magnification x 20. Data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test (P<.05). RESULTS: Significantly lower leakage scores were recorded for teeth restored with microfilled composite and finished under wet conditions after 24 hours (P<.01). No significant differences were found among the hybrid composite groups. CONCLUSION: For microfilled composite restorations on dentin margins, delayed wet finishing with diamond burs resulted in significantly lower microleakage scores than all other finishing protocols. Hybrid composite restorations had equivalent levels of microleakage regardless of the finishing method.     

Enamel loss associated with orthodontic adhesive removal on teeth with white spot lesions: an in vitro study.

Teeth with white spot lesions (WSL) might be more prone to enamel loss during bracket debonding. This in vitro study compared enamel loss from teeth with (n = 14) and without (n = 14) WSL after polishing with low-speed finishing burs or disks (Sof-Lex, 3M ESPE, St Paul, Minn). Debonded surfaces were analyzed with a contact stylus profilometer, and digitized data were compared with baseline readings by using AnSur NT software (Regents, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn). Specimen surfaces were also examined with a scanning electron microscope. Two-way analysis of variance was performed to analyze the data. In teeth without WSL, the volume losses were 0.16 mm(3) for the bur group and 0.10 mm(3) for the disk group; the mean maximum depths were 47.7 microm for the bur group and 54.3 microm for the disk group. In teeth with WSL, the volume losses were 0.06 and 0.17 mm(3), and the mean maximum depths were 35.1 and 48.7 microm for the bur and disk groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in enamel loss between the 2 groups of teeth without WSL (P =.12). However, in teeth with WSL, the burs removed less enamel than the disks (P = 0.006). Scanning electron microscope examination showed that any damage on the enamel surface was usually located in the cervical third of the teeth. On most specimens, even though tooth surfaces appeared resin-free to the naked eye, there were remnants of it. The differences between groups were so small that they might be clinically insignificant.     

New finishing instruments for composite resins

The trimming of composite resin restorations encompasses gross finishing, contouring, fine finishing, and polishing. A series of aluminum oxide-coated flexible disks have been marketed and are suitable for that purpose. However, their use is confined to directly accessible convex surfaces. For precise finishing of small delineated areas, and for concave and occlusal surfaces, rigid rotary instruments are necessary. The currently used stones and tungsten carbide burs are ineffective with microfilled composite systems. Thus, a series of finishing burs coated with 40- and 15-microns diamond chips were evaluated because of the superior grinding effectiveness as compared with existing instruments. Surface roughness measurements, and qualitative and quantitative SEM evaluations, indicate that these fine and superfine diamond finishing burs produce surfaces on composite resins as smooth as tungsten carbide burs and stones. At the same time, they cause less surface and subsurface damage or marginal fractures on composite resin restorations. The three-year clinical experience is generally favorable. Further quantitative clinical studies are warranted.     

Abrasive wear of resin composites as related to finishing and polishing procedures.

OBJECTIVES: Finishing and polishing procedures may cause topographical changes and introduce subsurface microcracks in dental composite restoratives. Since both of these effects may contribute toward the kinetics of wear, the purpose of this study was to assess and correlate the wear and surface roughness of minifilled and nanofilled composites finished and polished by different methods. METHODS: Specimens (n=10) made of a minifilled and a nanofilled composite were finished and polished with one of the four sequences: (1) tungsten carbide burs plus Al(2)O(3)-impregnated brush (CbBr) or (2) tungsten carbide burs plus diamond-impregnated cup (CbCp), (3) diamond burs plus brush (DmBr) or (4) diamond burs plus cup (DmCp). As a control, abrasive papers were used. After surface roughness had been quantified, three-body abrasion was simulated using the OHSU wear machine. The wear facets were then scanned to measure wear depth and post-testing roughness. All sets of data were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey's tests (alpha=0.05). Pearson's correlation test was applied to check for the existence of a relationship between pre-testing roughness and wear. RESULTS: Significantly smoother surfaces were attained with the sequences CbBr and CbCp, whereas DmCp yielded the roughest surface. Regardless of the finishing/polishing technique, the nanofilled composite exhibited the lowest pre-testing roughness and wear. There was no correlation between the surface roughness achieved after finishing/polishing procedures and wear (p=0.3899). SIGNIFICANCE: Nano-sized materials may have improved abrasive wear resistance over minifilled composites. The absence of correlation between wear and surface roughness produced by different finishing/polishing methods suggests that the latter negligibly influences material loss due to three-body abrasion.     

Effects of finishing/polishing techniques on microleakage of resin-modified glass ilonomer cement restorations

This study investigated the effect of finishing/polishing techniques on the microleakage of resin-modified glass ionomer restorations. Class V preparations were made on the buccal and lingual/palatal surfaces of freshly extracted teeth. The cavities on each tooth were restored with Fuji II LC (FT [GC]) and Photac-Fil Quick (PF [3M-ESPE]) according to manufacturers' instructions. Immediately after light-polymerization, gross finishing was done with eight-fluted tungsten carbide burs. The teeth were then randomly divided into four groups and finishing/polishing was done with one of the following systems: (a) Robot Carbides (RC); (b) Super-Snap system (SS); (c) OneGloss (OG) and (d) CompoSite Polishers (CS). The sample size for each material-finishing/polishing system combination was eight. After finishing/polishing, the teeth were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for one week. The root apices were then sealed with acrylic and two coats of varnish was applied 1 mm beyond the restoration margins. The teeth were subsequently subjected to dye penetration testing (0.5% basic fuchsin), sectioned and scored. Data was analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests at a significance level of 0.05. Results of statistical analysis were as follows: Enamel margins: PF-OG相似文献   

Tooth color change due to different etching and debonding procedures

Objectives:To compare the effects of different etching techniques, 12–, 24–bladed tungsten carbide burs, and polishing discs on tooth color changes during orthodontic treatment.Materials and Methods:59 individuals (mean age: 15.20 ± 1.59 years) were divided into four groups: 37% phosphoric acid and adhesive primer was used in Groups I and II whereas self–etch primer was used in Groups III and IV for enamel preparation. After orthodontic treatment, residual adhesives were cleaned with 12–bladed tungsten carbide burs in Groups I and III, while 24–bladed tungsten carbide burs were used in Groups II and IV. All teeth were polished with medium and fine Sof–Lex XT discs (3M ESPE, St Paul, Minnesota). Color measurements were taken from upper incisors and canines at pretreatment (T0), after cleaning with tungsten carbide burs (T1) and polishing with discs (T2). Wilcoxon test was used for evaluation of L*, a*, b* changes and Kruskal–Wallis for intergroup comparison of color changes.Results:L*, a*, b* values, except a* at Groups I, II, IV, and b* at Group III, changed significantly (P < .05). Groups III and IV showed significantly different color alterations from T0 to T1 (P < .05). After polishing, tooth color alterations were not significantly different among the groups.Conclusions:In self–etch bonding groups, a 12–bladed tungsten carbide bur caused less color change than the 24–bladed tungsten carbide bur. Orthodontic treatment resulted with visible and clinically unacceptable tooth color alterations regardless of the enamel preparation and clean–up techniques. Polishing reduced the effect of tungsten carbide burs, but did not affect the total influence of orthodontic treatment on the tooth color.     

The effect of airborne-particle abrasion on the shear bond strength of four restorative materials to enamel and dentin

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The role of airborne-particle abrasion on the bond strength of restorative materials to enamel and dentin is controversial. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of airborne-particle abrasion on the shear bond strengths of 4 restorative materials to enamel and dentin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred twelve extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were divided into 2 groups of 56 teeth each. In the first group flat enamel surfaces were prepared, and in the second flat dentin surfaces were prepared. Half the teeth in each group (n=28) were airborne-particle abraded. The remaining 28 teeth in each group were prepared with silicone carbide paper (control). Specimens in both groups were divided into 4 subgroups (n=7). A composite, a compomer, a resin-modified glass ionomer cement, and a conventional glass ionomer cement were applied to enamel and dentin surfaces (3 mm diameter and 4 mm height). After 24 hours of storage in water, specimens were subjected to shear forces in a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until fracture. Shear bond strength data (MPa) were analyzed with 3-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests (alpha=.05). RESULTS: Airborne-particle-abraded specimens showed significantly higher shear bond strengths than control specimens. The 2-way interaction between tooth structure and restorative materials was significant. CONCLUSION: The use of airborne-particle abrasion increased the shear bond strength of restorative materials tested to enamel and dentin.     

Effect of various grit burs on marginal integrity of resin composite restorations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the generation of enamel cracks and gaps at the cavosurface margin of resin composite restorations using various burs. Saucer-shaped cavities with a bevel were prepared on mid-coronal buccal or lingual surfaces of extracted human molars using a regular-grit round diamond bur, a fine-grit diamond bur, a superfine-grit diamond bur or a six-bladed tungsten carbide bur with an air turbine handpiece. The enamel margin of the cavity in each group was observed by a light microscope. Cavities were restored with a self-etching adhesive and a light-cured composite resin. After thermocycling, enamel cracks and gaps at the cavosurface margins were observed and scored. Specimens were sectioned longitudinally in two halves, and the resin-cavity interface was observed by means of a light microscope. In cavity preparation, the regular-grid diamond bur and the tungsten carbide bur caused more cracks in the marginal enamel than other groups. From the surface and sectioned surface observation of restored teeth, the superfine-grit diamond bur generated fewer cracks and gaps than the other burs.     

Effects of Tooth Preparation Burs and Luting Cement Types on the Marginal Fit of Extracoronal Restorations

Purpose: Although surface roughness of axial walls could contribute to precision of a cast restoration, it is unclear how the roughness of tooth preparation affects marginal fit of the restoration in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to describe the morphologic features of dentin surfaces prepared by common rotary instruments of similar shapes and to determine their effects on the marginal fit for complete cast crowns. Materials and Methods: Ninety crowns were cast for standardized complete crown tooth preparations. Diamond, tungsten carbide finishing, and crosscut carbide burs of similar shape were used (N = 30). The crowns in each group were subdivided into three groups (n = 10) for use with different luting cements: zinc phosphate cement (Fleck's), glass ionomer cement (Ketac‐Cem), and adhesive resin cement (Panavia 21). Marginal fit was measured with a light microscope in a plane parallel to the tooth surface before and after cementation between four pairs of index indentations placed at equal distances around the circumference of each specimen. Difference among groups was tested for statistical significance with analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Ryan‐Einot‐Gabriel‐Welsch Multiple Range Test (α= 0.05). Results: Analysis of measurements disclosed a statistically significant difference for burs used to finish tooth preparations (p < 0.001); however, luting cement measurements were not significantly different (p= 0.152). Also, the interaction effect was not significantly different (p= 0.685). For zinc phosphate cement, the highest marginal discrepancy value (100 ± 106 μm) was for tooth preparations refined with carbide burs, and the lowest discrepancy value (36 ± 30 μm) was for tooth preparations refined with finishing burs. For glass ionomer cement, the highest marginal discrepancy value (61 ± 47 μm) was for tooth preparations refined with carbide burs, and the lowest discrepancy value (33 ± 40 μm) was for tooth preparations refined with finishing burs. For adhesive resin cement, the highest marginal discrepancy value (88 ± 81 μm) was for tooth preparations refined with carbide burs, and the lowest discrepancy value (19 ± 17 μm) was for tooth preparations refined with finishing burs. Conclusions: Marginal fit of complete cast crowns is influenced by tooth preparation surface characteristics, regardless of the type of luting agent used for cementation. Tooth preparations refined with finishing burs may favor the placement of restorations with the smallest marginal discrepancies, regardless of the type of cement used.     

Orthodontic microabrasive reproximation.

Reproximation (enamel stripping) is described in the literature as a clinical procedure for correction of tooth size deviations. The objective of this study was to qualitatively assess, by means of scanning electron microscopy, (1) the differences exhibited on enamel with mechanical and chemical methods of stripping, and (2) the effect of a synthetic calcifying solution on the etched enamel. Part 1. Sixty human anterior teeth (10 complete sets) that were previously stored in 70% ethanol were subdivided into groups I and II. The teeth in group I were divided into five sets of six teeth mounted in a plaster block in the anterior arch form. Each set was stripped with one of the following mechanical abrasive methods: garnet disks, tungsten carbide and fine diamonds burs, coarse and fine diamond burs, diamond wheel and 3M strips, diamond-coated metal and 3M strips. The teeth in group II were similarly treated, except each set was subjected to a further microabrasive chemical stripping with 37% phosphoric acid used in conjunction with 3M strips. The teeth were then prepared for scanning electron microscopy, viewed, and photographed under magnification. Part 2. Ten human central incisor teeth were etched and used to study the effect of remineralization solutions at various time intervals. The results showed that teeth stripped by routine mechanical abrasive methods exhibited deep furrows and roughness. The teeth that received mechanical and chemical abrasive treatments showed a flattened, etched surface free of furrows. These etched surfaces showed marked crystal growth at 5 and 10 hours after remineralization suggesting the possibility of repair of the chemically altered enamel surface.     

The effect of polishing systems on microleakage of tooth-coloured restoratives. Part 2: composite and polyacid-modified composite resins

The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of polishing systems on the microleakage of composite and polyacid-modified composite resins. Class V cavities were prepared at the cemento-enamel junction of 80 freshly extracted posterior teeth. The prepared teeth were randomly divided into two groups and restored with conventional or polyacid-modified composite resins. The restored teeth were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 1 week after removal of excess restorative with diamond finishing burs. The restored teeth were then divided into four groups of ten and finished/polished using the following systems: Two Striper micron finishing system (MFS), Sof-Lex XT (Sof-Lex), Enhance composite finishing and polishing system (Enhance), and Shofu composite finishing kit (Shofu). The finished restorations were subjected to dye penetration testing. Results showed that the microleakage resistance at both enamel and dentin margins of composite and polyacid-modified composite resins are not significantly affected by the different polishing systems.     

A technique using resin composite with orthodontic wire to replace a missing tooth rapidly.

A missing incisor or premolar tooth that requires a quick functional and esthetic repair, such as the case of tooth loss caused by trauma needs quick conservative treatment to maintain sound abutment teeth. The use of resin composite for direct fixed partial denture (FPD) can reduce problems associated with metal substructures, such as esthetic limitations and preparation of abutment teeth. However, mechanical failure of direct FPD often occurs because of design limitations and poor fabrication. This case report describes a direct resin composite FPD combined with an orthodontic wire framework. A small enamel dimple was prepared below the contact area, and a U-shaped wire was formed and positioned in the prepared enamel dimples and bonded with resin cements. An alloy primer was applied to the surface of the wire, which was coated with adhesive resin and veneered with resin composite. The finishing of the margins and final polishing were completed a week after insertion. The FPD was contoured using fine composite diamond finishing burs and polished with silicone points. The combination of the U-shaped wire and an enamel dimple below the contact area has shown good results over a period of more than 12 months in these two cases.     

Different techniques of residual composite removal following debonding--time taken and surface enamel appearance.

Four different methods of in vitro residual composite removal following debonding performed by two different operators (an orthodontist and a hygienist) were assessed for enamel surface damage (using scanning electron microscopy) and the time involved. There was no difference in the quality of enamel surface appearance between the two operators, regardless of the method used for composite removal. There was a statistically significant difference (P less than 0.05) for the time taken for composite removal between the two operators using a tungsten carbide bur method only. It is suggested that an expanded duties auxiliary with the practical skills of the hygienist would be able to remove residual composite debris and produce a satisfactory polished enamel surface using tungsten carbide burs and aluminium oxide polishing discs, thus becoming a safe and cost-effective member of the orthodontic team.     

The magnitude of cutting forces at high speed

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Previous research has used a range of cutting forces for preparing teeth, but there are no data available on the forces actually imposed while cutting teeth with high-speed handpieces. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to measure the forces imposed while cutting teeth with tungsten carbide burs used in high-speed handpieces. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-one dentists each cut 8 conventional class II MO and DO preparations in intact extracted third molars, by use of 2 different air turbine handpieces with different torque-speed characteristics. Two different flat fissure, plain and cross-cut tungsten carbide burs, cutting wet and dry in each handpiece/bur combination. The teeth were mounted in a custom-made transducer unit that displayed the forces imposed by the bur. Data were analysed with a 1-way ANOVA (alpha =.05) and Spearman correlation test. RESULTS: The results showed that there was no significant difference in the applied force between plain and cross-cut burs, cutting wet or cutting dry, but there was a significant difference between the high and the lower torque handpieces. The higher torque handpiece was used at a mean cutting force of 1.44 N and the lower torque handpiece at 1.20 N (P<.002). The overall general mean force observed was 1.30 N. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the forces used in cutting teeth with the tungsten carbide burs tested related both to the type of the handpiece and to the forces chosen by clinical operators. There was no difference between the plain and cross-cut burs, there was no difference between the cutting wet or dry, and the higher torque handpiece required a higher mean cutting force.     

Effects of rotary instrumentation and different etchants on removal of smear layer on human dentin

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Various methods of rotary preparation and conditioning of teeth affect surface topography and may affect the retention of dental restorations. PURPOSE: This study microscopically evaluated dentin surfaces prepared by different rotary instruments and etched using several types of acid etchants that have been deemed suitable dentin conditioners. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Occlusal surfaces of 35 extracted human molars were ground wet with 320-grit silicon carbide paper to the depth of the central groove and then prepared with diamond (n = 5) and finishing burs (n = 30). Five specimens from each group were used for SEM evaluation of mechanical preparation effects. Dentin specimens (n = 5) prepared with finishing burs were then etched with 1 of 5 etchants (25% polyacrylic acid, 10% phosphoric acid, 10% citric acid, 20% lactic acid, or 32% phosphoric acid) for 10 seconds. Specimens were critical-point dried and freeze fractured for SEM analysis. RESULTS: Diamond rotary instruments created more undulating surfaces than finishing burs. Fine grooves were observed running perpendicular to undulations and parallel to the direction of instrument rotation. Specimens prepared with finishing burs exhibited a smooth surface interrupted by only a slight granularity. The amorphous smear layer was partially removed after the application of 25% polyacrylic acid (pH 1.53), but all dentinal tubules contained plugs. The number of dentin tubules containing plug material and the amount of material in the tubules decreased noticeably with 10% phosphoric acid (pH 0.86), and the dentin surface had an appearance similar to the specimen etched with 10% citric acid (pH 1.70). The surfaces treated with 20% lactic acid (pH 1.40) produced a clearly etched surface with minimal demineralization. Etching of dentin with 32% phosphoric acid (pH 0.16) revealed significant changes in dentin with the evidence of increased tubule diameter. CONCLUSION: Differences related to the method of instrumentation were found in the surface characteristics of dentin. The degree of smear layer removal was related to the pH of the acid etchant.     

Surface roughness of finished composite resins.

This study evaluated the results of polishing composite resin by using the following finishing and polishing techniques: Arkansas stone burs; eight-blade tungsten-carbide burs; diamond burs; aluminum-oxide disks; no polishing; and 12- and 30-blade tungsten-carbide burs. The results were compared to ascertain which technique delivers the smoothest surface. The study was done with 120 class V restorations on extracted human teeth distributed in two groups (I and II) of 60 restorations each. Group I teeth samples were filled with microfilled composite resin and Group II with a hybrid composite resin. Readings were made with a profilometer to evaluate the final polishing. The conclusions from the results of the study were that microfilled composite resins provided a better finish when treated with aluminum-oxide disks. These results were statistically significant (p < 0.001). When hybrid composites were used the control group recorded the lowest values.