Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of dental prophylaxis
techniques on surface roughness of composite resins.
Materials and methods: A total of 36 nanohybrid resin composite
test specimens were fabricated and divided into three groups
(n = 12). They were kept in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours
and submitted to the finishing and polishing technique. For the
prophylactic techniques, in group G1, a mixture of pumice stone
and distilled water was used with the aid of a rubber cup; in
group G2, Herjos-F prophy paste was used with a rubber cup;
and in group G3, a bicarbonate jet spray was used. Afterward,
all the samples were repolished using the Soflex pop-on disks.
A roughness meter was used to measure surface roughness
at three points in time: Before the prophylactic techniques (1st
evaluation), afterward (2nd evaluation), and following repeat
polishing (3rd evaluation).
Results: It was found that roughness values changed significantly
between the 1st and 2nd evaluations (p < 0.05) and
between the 2nd and 3rd evaluations (p < 0.05), showing that
the change in roughness depended on the type of prophylactic
treatment. Roughness was significantly higher after the
bicarbonate jet (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Prophylaxis using the sodium bicarbonate jet significantly
altered the roughness of nanoparticle-reinforced resin.
Clinical significance: Dental prophylaxis is the most common
practice employed to remove bacterial plaque and other coatings.
However, one side effect of the cleaning may be a rougher
surface subject to degradation and staining. The correct use
of prophylactic devices and avoiding prolonged use on resin
restorations reduce surface roughness.