Influence of chemo-mechanical caries removal on the surface topography of dental composite resin and glass-ionomer materials: an in vitro study

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of a chemo-mechanical caries removal system, Carisolv gel, on the surface topography of dental filling materials. Thirty specimens of a composite resin (Spectrum) and a compomer (Dyract AP) and 60 specimens of a glass-ionomer (Ketac-Fil Plus) were prepared. The surface topography was investigated with an optical interferometer before and after chemical exposure for 5, 10, or 20 min. Each specimen acted as its own control. The topographical part of the glass-ionomer materials was performed in two series with different drying procedures, since this material exhibits a higher sensitivity to dehydration than the other materials. The surface topographical investigations were complemented with contact angle measurements. After Carisolv gel exposure the density of summits and the developed surface area ratio (3D/2D) were slightly smaller for the composite resin and the compomer. For the minimally dried glass-ionomer material, the results indicated a reduction of the height of the surface structures, as well as a surface area enlargement, after Carisolv gel exposure. No statistically significant changes of contact angles due to Carisolv gel exposure could be detected for any material investigated. If dental filling materials of composite resin or glass-ionomer materials are exposed to Carisolv gel, no or only minor surface topographical changes can be expected. n