Roughness Of Dentin Research Articles

Surface roughness and wettability of dentin ablated with ultrashort pulsed laser

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface roughness and wettability of dentin following ultrashort pulsed laser ablation with different levels of fluence and pulse overlap (PO). Twenty-five extracted human teeth crowns were cut longitudinally into slices of approximately 1.5-mm thick and randomly divided into nine groups of five. Samples in groups 1 to 8 were ablated with an ultrashort pulsed laser through a galvanometric scanning system. Samples in group 9 were prepared using a mechanical rotary instrument. The surface roughness of samples from each group was then measured using a three-dimensional profile measurement laser microscope, and wettability was evaluated by measuring the contact angle of a drop of water on the prepared dentin surface using an optical contact angle measuring device. The results showed that both laser fluence and PO had an effect on dentin surface roughness. Specifically, a higher PO decreased dentin surface roughness and reduced the effect of high-laser fluence on decreasing the surface roughness in some groups. Furthermore, all ablated dentin showed a contact angle of approximately 0 deg, meaning that laser ablation significantly improved wettability. Adjustment of ultrashort pulsed laser parameters can, therefore,significantly alter dentin surface roughness and wettability.

Effect of Different Endodontic Regeneration Protocols on Wettability, Roughness, and Chemical Composition of Surface Dentin

IntroductionWe investigated the changes in physiochemical properties of dentin surfaces after performing different endodontic regeneration protocols. MethodsHuman dentin slices were randomized into 4 treatment groups and 1 untreated control group (n = 10). One treatment group was irrigated with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for 5 minutes followed by EDTA for 10 minutes. The other 3 treatment groups were irrigated with NaOCl; treated for 4 weeks with triple antibiotic paste (TAP), diluted triple antibiotic paste (DTAP), or calcium hydroxide (Ca[OH]2); and then irrigated with EDTA. After treatment, contact angles between a blood analog and dentin surfaces were evaluated. Surface roughness and chemical composition were characterized using optical profilometry and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, respectively. One-way analysis of variance followed by Fisher least significant difference tests were used for statistical analyses. ResultsAll treatment groups showed a significant reduction in wettability and a significant increase in surface roughness when compared with untreated dentin. Dentin treated with Ca(OH)2 had significantly lower wettability compared with all other groups. No significant difference in wettability was found between dentin treated with DTAP and TAP protocols. Dentin treated with TAP had significantly higher surface roughness compared with all other groups. Untreated dentin and NaOCl + EDTA–treated dentin had significantly higher calcium and phosphorus as well as significantly lower carbon compared with dentin treated with Ca(OH)2, DTAP, and TAP. ConclusionsEndodontic regeneration protocols had a significant effect on wettability, surface roughness, and chemical composition of surface dentin. The Ca(OH)2 protocol caused a significant reduction in dentin wettability compared with TAP or DTAP protocols.

Efeito de diferentes soluções utilizadas como irrigante final na superfície dentinária: análise de rugosidade

INTRODUÇÃO: O uso de irrigantes pode gerar alterações microestruturais na superfície dentinária, entre as quais alterações na rugosidade. Essas alterações podem influenciar o processo de união dos materiais obturadores à dentina. OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar o efeito das soluções de EDTA, hipoclorito de sódio (NaOCl) e clorexidina, como irrigante final, na rugosidade da superfície dentinária. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foram utilizadas raízes distais de seis terceiros molares inferiores, que foram planificadas com o auxílio de disco de lixa e cortadas em segmentos, totalizando 18 amostras. A análise inicial foi realizada utilizando-se o perfilômetro Dektak. Foram realizadas cinco varreduras por amostra. Em seguida, as amostras foram irrigadas com NaOCl para simular o preparo químico-mecânico e lavadas com água destilada. Foram então divididas em seis grupos de acordo com o protocolo de irrigação final: Água destilada; NaOCl 5,25%; clorexidina 2%; EDTA17%; EDTA 17% + NaOCl 5,25%, e EDTA 17% + clorexidina 2%. Novamente, em cada amostra, foram realizadas cinco varreduras, totalizando 15 varreduras por grupo. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente pelos testes de Kruskal-Wallis e Mann-Whitney (p<0,05). RESULTADO: Foi encontrada alteração significativa da rugosidade somente no grupo em que houve a combinação do agente quelante com o NaOCl. CONCLUSÃO: Os protocolos de irrigação final apresentam diferentes efeitos na rugosidade da superfície dentinária.

A Roughness Study of Ytterbium-Doped Potassium Yttrium Tungstate (YB: KYW) Thin-Disk Femtosecond Ablated Dentin.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological changes and quantitatively assess the roughness of dentin after the ablation with a Ytterbium-Doped Potassium Yttrium Tungstate (YB: KYW) thin-disk femtosecond pulsed laser of different fluences, scanning speeds and scanning distances. Twelve extracted human premolars were sectioned into crowns and roots along the cementum-enamel junction, and then the crowns were cut longitudinally into sheets about 1.5 mm thick with a cutting machine. The dentin samples were fixed on a stage at focus plane. The laser beam was irradiated onto the samples through a galvanometric scanning system, so rectangular movement could be achieved. After ablation, the samples were examined with a scanning electron microscope and laser three-dimensional profile measurement microscope for morphology and roughness study.With increasing laser fluence, dentin samples exhibited more melting and resolidification of dentin as well as debris-like structure and occluded parts of dentinal tubules. When at the scanning speed of 2400mm/s and scanning distance of 24μm, the surface roughness of dentin ablated with femtosecond pulsed laser decreased significantly and varied between values of dentin surface roughness grinded with two kinds of diamond burs with different grits. When at the scanning speed of 1200mm/s and scanning distance of 12μm, the surface roughness decreased slightly, and the surface roughness of dentin ablated with femtosecond pulsed laser was almost equal to that grinded with a low grit diamond bur. This study showed that increased laser influence may lead to more collateral damage and lower dentin surface roughness, while scanning speed and scanning distance were also negatively correlated with surface roughness. Adequate parameters should be chosen to achieve therapeutic benefits, and different parameters can result in diverse ablation results.

Etidronate from Medicine to Endodontics: effects of different irrigation regimes on root dentin roughness

An increase in dentin roughness, associated with surface composition, contributes to bacterial adherence in recontaminations. Surface roughness is also important for micromechanical interlocking of dental materials to dentin, and understanding the characteristics of the surface is essential to obtain the adhesion of root canal sealers that have different physico-chemical characteristics.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), ethylenediaminetetraacetic (EDTA), etidronic (HEBP), and citric acid (CA) associated with different irrigation regimens on root dentin roughness.Material and MethodsForty-five root halves of anterior teeth were used. The root parts were sectioned in thirds, embedded in acrylic resin and polished to a standard surface roughness. Initially, the samples of each third were randomly assigned into 3 groups and treated as follows: G1 - saline solution (control); G2 - 5% NaOCl+18% HEBP mixed in equal parts; and G3 - 2.5% NaOCl. After initial measuments, the G3 samples were distributed into subgroups G4, G5 and G6, which were subjected to 17% EDTA, 10% CA and 9% HEBP, respectively. Following the new measuments, these groups received a final flush with 2.5% NaOCl, producing G7, G8 and G9. The dentin surface roughness (Ra) was determined before and after treatments using a profilometer. The Wilcoxon test (α<0.05) was used to compare the values before and after treatments, and the Friedman test (α<0.05) to detect any differences among root thirds. Results(i) NaOCl did not affect the surface roughness; (ii) there was a significant increase in roughness after the use of chelating agents (P<0.01); and (iii) only the G3 group showed a difference in surface roughness between apical third and other thirds of the teeth (P<0.0043).ConclusionOnly the irrigation regimens that used chelating agents altered the roughness of root dentin.

Microstructures and Mechanical Characteristics of Enamel and Dentin of Primary and Permanent Teeth

Objective: To investigate the microstructures and mechanical characteristics of enamel and dentin of primary and permanent teeth by AFM, analyze their relationships and provide information for bionics and designs of dental materials. Methods: After embedding, cutting and grinding, 10 primary teeth and 10 permanent teeth were randomly divided into four groups. The morphology of samples was obtained by AFM and the roughness and Young’s modulus were calculated by JPK DP Data processing version 4.0 software. Results: In permanent teeth groups, the enamel rods arrange more tightly than those in primary teeth groups. The roughness of primary enamel （1203±39.5nm）was higher than permanent teeth（954.6±30.5nm）.The Young′s modulus of enamel in primary teeth（80.4±7.7GPa）was lower than permanent teeth（90.8±2.2GPa）. The roughness of dentin in primary teeth （1695±67.6nm）is higher than permanent teeth （1210±45.3nm）and the Young′s modulus of dentin in primary teeth（19.8±1.9 GPa）was lower than the permanent teeth （23.1±1.0 GPa）. Conclusions: The mechanical characteristics of primary and permanent teeth are closely related to their microstructures.

Preparation time and surface roughness of core foundation resins and dentin

It is unclear if the preparation of core foundation resins is similar to that of dentin. The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the preparation time and resulting roughness of 5 core foundation resins and dentin. Standardized preparations (10 mm length, 5 mm height) were made of 5 specimens of 5 core materials with a device-mounted dental handpiece (150 000 rpm, water-cooling) with weight-controlled contact pressure (50 g). To assess the cutting time of 100 μm grit cylindrical diamond rotary cutting instruments, 2 mm and 4 mm depths were cut 3 times (n=15). Afterwards surface roughness Ra and Rz were measured. Blocks of dentin were used as a control. Both preparation time and surface roughness data were statistically analyzed (1-way ANOVA, Scheffé correction, α=.05). The average preparation times for dentin were 7 seconds for a 2 mm preparation depth and 22 seconds for a 4 mm depth with an average Ra of 5.4 μm or Rz of 30 μm. For a 4 mm depth, preparation times for Build-It, Rebilda LC, and Ti-Core ranged from 24 to 27 seconds. The preparation times of these 3 core foundation materials did not differ significantly from dentin for a 4 mm depth. The results of Core Paste and Luxacore were significantly lower (10 and 11 seconds, P<.001). For a 2 mm cutting depth, Core Paste and Luxacore showed similar preparation times compared to dentin (7 seconds, P>.05). Build-It (12 seconds) and Rebilda LC (10 seconds) showed greater preparation times compared to dentin, whereas Ti-Core preparation (5 seconds) was less. ANOVA revealed significantly lower Ra (5.0 μm) and Rz values (23-26 μm) after preparation of Core Paste, Luxacore, and Ti-Core than those of dentin (P<.05). The preparation times of only some core foundation materials were comparable to dentin. Regarding the cutting depths, different materials provided a dentin-like preparation ability. The surface roughness values of core resins were comparable with or significantly lower than those of dentin.

Influence of a prophylaxis paste on surface roughness of different composites, porcelain, enamel and dentin surfaces

To investigate the effect of a prophylaxis paste on surface roughness of different composites, enamel, dentin and porcelain surfaces. Three different composites (FiltekZ250/Group1, Filtek Supreme XT/Group2, Premise/Group3), enamel/Group4, dentin/Group5 and porcelain/Group6 samples were used in this study. All specimens were prepared flat by SiC discs and polished with a diamond polishing paste. The surface roughness measurements were determined with a profilometer after polishing (initial surface roughness). Prophylaxis paste was applied to the samples for 12 seconds, renewing every 6 seconds. After cleaning the samples, roughness values were measured again. Data were analyzed by Kruskal Wallis and Dunn's multiple comparison test. Wilcoxon test was performed for the comparison of the initial and final surface roughness values (P<.05). The results were evaluated within the P<.05 confidence level. The initial and final surface roughness values (μm) were determined as follows: Group1: 0.039±0.009 and 0.157±0.018, Group2: 0.023±0.005 and 0.145±0.027, Group3: 0.028±0.008 and 0.109±0.012, Group4: 0.024±0.006 and 0.071±0.015, Group5: 0.030±0.007 and 0.143±0.029, Group6: 0.024±0.006 and 0.064±0.014. Significant difference was determined between the initial and final values for all groups. Composite and dentin surfaces were more affected by the application of prophylaxis paste than enamel and porcelain surfaces. The prophylaxis paste increased the surface roughness of all groups, but did not reach the bacterial retention roughness rate of 0.2μm.

Assessment of Vickers hardness, microstructure, and surface roughness of dentin after initial dissolution by acidulated phosphate-fluoride

Assessment of Vickers hardness, microstructure, and surface roughness of dentin after initial dissolution by acidulated phosphate-fluoride

Assessment of Vickers hardness, microstructure, and surface roughness of dentin after initial dissolution by acidulated phosphate-fluoride

Acidulated phosphate-fluoride (APF) is widely used for the prevention of enamel caries. The topical application of fluoride is a promising treatment for improving the acid-resistance of tooth, promoting its remineralization, and improving its crystallinity. APF contains a high concentration of fluorine ions (9,000 ppm); it first decalcifies the apatite in dentin, generating calcium and phosphate ions, which bind to fluoride ions, thus precipitating calcium fluoride. APF is prepared as an acidic solution (pH 3.5) and is used to reinforce the enamel. However, dentin is less resistant to acid than enamel. As such, APF treatment at the same acidity carries a risk of weakening the dentin after application. In many cases, wedge-shaped defect (WSD), root caries, and attrition can cause dentin exposure, to which the APF can attach. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the effect of APF treatment on dentin by measuring Vickers hardness, making observations with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and measuring average surface roughness (Ra). The findings of this study suggested that an acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) treatment of 3 min or longer caused marked dissolution of dentin and posed the risk of deterioration of its initial strength. Therefore, careful management is required to preclude dentin dissolution when performing APF treatment for preventing dental caries.

Evaluation of the Effect of Maleic Acid and Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid on the Microhardness and Surface Roughness of Human Root Canal Dentin

Introduction The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of 7% maleic acid and 17% EDTA solutions on the microhardness and the surface roughness of human root canal dentin. Methods Forty-five extracted human maxillary central incisors were sectioned longitudinally into a total of 90 segments, were embedded in auto polymerizing acrylic resin, and were grounded flat with silicon carbide abrasive papers. Based on the test solutions used, samples were divided randomly into three groups: (1) the EDTA group, 1 mL of 17% EDTA for 1 minute ( n = 30), (2) the maleic acid group, 1 mL of 7% maleic acid for 1 minute ( n = 30), and (3) the control group, 1 mL of 0.9% saline for 1 minute ( n = 30). Every group was then divided into two subgroups of 15 specimens each. In group 1a, 2a, and 3a, specimens were used to determine the microhardness of the root canal dentine in the coronal, middle, and apical third using Vicker's hardness tester. In groups 1b, 2b, and 3b, specimens were used for the determination of surface roughness of the root canal dentine using a roughness tester (Surtronic, Leicester, England). The data were statistically analyzed using the Kruskall Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests. Results There was no significant difference between EDTA and maleic acid in the reduction of microhardness. The increase in roughness was significantly greater with maleic acid when compared with EDTA. Conclusion Maleic acid reduced the microhardness of root dentin similar to EDTA but increased the surface roughness significantly more than EDTA.

Effect of 16% Carbamide Peroxide Bleaching Gel on Enamel and Dentin Surface Micromorphology and Roughness of Uremic Patients: An Atomic Force Microscopic Study

To investigate the effect of 16% carbamide peroxide bleaching gel on surface micromorphology and roughness of enamel and root dentin of uremic patients receiving hemodialysis using atomic force microscopy (AFM). A total of 20 sound molars were collected from healthy individuals (n=10) and uremic patients (n=10). The roots were separated from their crowns at the cemento-enamel junction. Dental slabs (3 mm x 2 mm x 2 mm) were obtained from the buccal surface for enamel slabs and the cervical third of the root surface for dentin slabs. Dental slabs were then flattened and serially polished up to #2500-grit roughness using silicon carbide abrasive papers. Half of the slabs obtained from healthy individuals and uremic patients were stored in artificial saliva and left without bleaching for control and comparison. The remaining half was subjected to a bleaching treatment using 16% carbamide peroxide gel (Polanight, SDI Limited) 8 h/day for 14 days and stored in artificial saliva until AFM analysis was performed. Statistical analysis of the roughness average (Ra) results was performed using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc multiple comparisons test. The micromorphological observation of bleached, healthy enamel showed exaggerated prism irregularities more than non-bleached specimens, and this observation was less pronounced in bleached uremic enamel specimens with the lowest Ra. Bleached healthy dentin specimens showed protruded peritubular dentin and eroded intertubular dentin with the highest Ra compared to bleached uremic dentin. The negative effects of the bleaching gel on uremic tooth substrates are less dramatic and non-destructive compared to healthy substrates because uremia confers different micromorphological surface changes.

Influence of dental rotary instruments on the roughness and wettability of human dentin surfaces

Although it is known that different dental rotary instrument types produce distinct surface roughness of the axial walls which may contribute to the clinical performance of a cast restoration, the ideal roughness that produces optimum wetting at the adhesive interface is unclear. The purpose of this study was to characterize the surface roughness and its influence on wettability of teeth prepared for complete veneer crowns with different dental rotary instruments. Sixty standardized tooth preparations for complete crowns were completed using a modified milling machine on extracted human teeth with diamond, tungsten carbide finishing, and cross-cut carbide rotary instruments of similar shape (n=20). Morphological changes obtained were investigated with a surface texture analyzer. Two additional specimens from each group were treated and prepared for scanning electron microscopy. The contact angle of a drop of distilled water on each of the prepared surfaces was used as the measure of wettability with a goniometer microscope. The data were analyzed with 1-way ANOVA and Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test (alpha=.05). Surface preparation resulted in significant differences for surface topography and wettability (P<.001). The carbide burs had significantly higher mean roughness readings (SD) for all parameters: Ra (8.6 (1.9) microm), Rq (10.9 (2.2) microm), and Ry (41.1 (2.1) microm), except for the mean Rz (12.1 (3.1) microm) value, which was recorded for diamonds. The other roughness parameters for the diamond rotary instruments were intermediate. Teeth completed with carbide finishing burs produced a smoother surface Ra (1.2 (0.5) microm), Rq (1.6 (0.6) microm), Ry (6.4 (2.6) microm), and Rz (1.9 (0.6) microm). The highest mean contact angle (SD), 81.5 (9.1) degrees, was associated with diamond rotary instruments, and the lowest (75.3 (5.9) degrees) was recorded for finishing burs. The contact angle for teeth prepared with tungsten carbide burs was intermediate: 76.1 (5.9) degrees. The selection of dental rotary instruments for tooth preparation significantly affects surface roughness and wettability of dentin, which may influence the retention of cast restorations.

Effect of EDTA and Citric Acid Solutions on the Microhardness and the Roughness of Human Root Canal Dentin

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of citric acid and EDTA solutions on the microhardness and the roughness of human root canal dentin. Forty-five human teeth sectioned longitudinally were used. Specimens were randomly divided into three groups of 30 teeth each and were treated as follows: (a) one molar (19%) citric acid (C 6H 8O 7) for 150 s followed by 5.25% NaOCl; (b) 17% EDTA for 150 s and rinsed with 5.25% NaOCl; (c) rinsed with distilled water and served as control. Three groups were then divided into two subgroups of 15 specimens each. The specimens, in first subgroup were subjected to Vicker’s testing whereas the second subgroup underwent surface roughness testing. The results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests. Significant differences were observed in microhardness among the test groups, citric acid group being the least hard (p 0.05). Also, citric acid significantly increased surface roughness.

Evaluation of the Effect of Endodontic Irrigation Solutions on the Microhardness and the Roughness of Root Canal Dentin

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate on the microhardness and roughness of root canal dentin compared with widely used irrigation solutions. Ninety, mandibular, anterior teeth extracted for periodontal reasons were used. The crowns of the teeth were removed at the CEJ. The roots were separated longitudinally into two segments, embedded in acrylic resin, and polished. A total of 180 specimens were divided into 6 groups of 30 teeth at random according to the irrigation solution used: group 1: 5.25% NaOCl for 15 min; group 2: 2.5% NaOCl for 15 min; group 3: 3% H2O2 for 15 min; group 4: 17% EDTA for 15 min; group 5: 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate for 15 min; and group 6: distilled water (control). Each group was then divided into 2 subgroups of 15 specimens: groups 1a, 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a, and 6a were submitted to Vickers microhardness indentation tests; groups 1b, 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b, and 6b were used for determination of the roughness of root dentin. The data were recorded as Vickers numbers and Ra, microm for roughness test. The results were analyzed statistically by using one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests. The results indicated that all the irrigation solutions except chlorhexidine significantly decreased microhardness of root canal dentin (p < 0.05); 3% H2O2 and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate had no effect on roughness of the root canal dentin (p > 0.05). Although there are many other factors for irrigation solution preference, according to the results of this study, 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate seems to be an appropriate endodontic irrigation solutions because of its harmless effect on the microhardness and roughness of root canal dentin.

Bleaching effect on surface roughness and microhardness of dentin

The main objectives of this study were to determine the effects of the bleaching solutions on the surface characteristics of dentin namely, microhardness and surface roughness. Sixteen dentin samples were prepared for the measurements. Teeth mounted in an acrylic resin blocks for microhardness measurements and surface roughness. The bleaching was performed by immersion of each sample in (35%) hydrogen peroxide at (37)°C in an incubator for a period of one hour. Vicker'smicrohardness instruments used for microhardness measurements and profilometertesting machine was used to evaluate surface Toughness. Two measurements were taken from each samples one before and the other after bleaching procedure. The data were collected and analyzed using analysis of variance and t-test, The results showed that the microhardness of dentin is greater before bleaching than the mean after bleaching procedures. This indicated that the bleaching solution used in this study reduced the microhardness of the dentin in vitro. There are slight changes in the mean value of the surface roughness of dentin after bleaching, which is statistically not significant

In vitro dentin pretreatment: surface roughness and adhesive shear bond strength.

The aim was to define the morphology and roughness of dentin from different tooth areas after various pretreatments to identify the effect of hybrid layer, resin tags, and mineralised dentin surface on shear bond strength. Thirty-eight extracted molars were used, each providing two sections of cervical (c) and lateral (l) dentin. Five pretreatments were performed: A) 0.2% EDTA; B) abrasion with Al2O3 particles, 0.2% EDTA; C) 10% H3PO4; D) 10% H3PO4 and immersion in a collagenase solution; E) control: no treatment. Z100 composite resin cylinders were bonded to the specimens with All Bond 2 bonding resin and tested for shear bond strength. Twelve other specimens from each group were analysed with an optical profilometer and an atomic force microscope, and four were further examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mean shear strength values in MPa were: Ac: 8.36 +/- 4.23; Al: 8.77 +/- 3.68; Bc: 6.05 +/- 3.62; Bl: 8.39 +/- 4.60; Cc: 6.87 +/- 3.45; Cl: 9.00 +/- 5.62; Dc: 13.30 +/- 5.45; Dl: 8.44 +/- 4.47; Ec: 4.10 +/- 1.54; El: 6.09 +/- 4.34. No statistically significant difference for cervical versus lateral dentin was found within treatments except for group D. Treatments performed on lateral dentin did not differ significantly. In cervical dentin, A differed from E; C from E; and D from A, B, C and E. An increased surface roughness was found in group D. Shear bond strength to dentin did not seem to depend on a hybrid layer formation, but on the direct contact of the adhesive with the mineralised dentinal surface and partly on the orientation of the dentinal tubules.

An analysis of surface roughness, surface morphology and composite/dentin bond strength of human dentin following the application of the Nd:YAG laser

Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the surface effects to dentin following laser “etching” with an Nd:YAG laser, and to determine the shear bond strengths of composite to untreated and laser-treated dentin. Methods: Dentin surfaces from freshly extracted permanent molar teeth were subjected to laser treatment with an Nd:YAG laser using different laser pulse rates and power settings. The effect of application of a laser enhancing gel was also investigated. Surface profile analysis of the dentin surfaces was undertaken with a perthometer. The results were analysed by SPSS/PC multiple range test. Specimens were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The shear bond strengths of laser-treated dentin/composite and untreated dentin/composite by conventional dentin bonding (Gold Standard, Chameleon Dental Products) were also determined. These results were also compared by SPSS/PC multiple range test. Results: The laser-treated dentin specimens exhibited a qualitatively different surface morphology when compared with untreated dentin. Laser treatment at higher exposures resulted in the formation of microcracks and fissures. Bonding of resin composite to the laser-treated dentin was not significantly different from untreated dentin despite the fact that the surface roughness of laser-treated dentin was significantly higher than untreated dentin ( p<0.05). Significance: It was concluded from this study that the etched dentin surfaces produced by the Nd:YAG laser operated under the conditions described were not superior to those obtained with conventional dentin bonding.

Surface roughness of dentin after tooth preparation with different rotary instrumentation

Although surface finish can be a critical variable in clinical performance, there is a dearth of information regarding surface characteristics of teeth prepared for artificial crowns. This study characterized teeth prepared for complete cast restorations using three representative types of rotary instruments. One hundred and five standardized tooth preparations for complete crowns were performed using a modified milling machine on extracted human teech with diamond, tungsten carbide, and tungsten carbide finishing burs of similar shape (n = 35). The prepared dentin was analyzed with a surface profilometer and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Differences between rotary instrument groups were determined with parametric ANOVA and Tukey's Studentized Range (HSD). Statistically significant differences in the surface topography of prepared teeth were seen. Mean surface roughnesses (Ra) were 8.6 and 6.8 μm for teeth prepared with diamond and tungsten carbide burs. Teeth completed with finishing burs appeared to result in a smoother surface (1.2 μm).