This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the toothbrush abrasion on surface roughness of the demineralized enamel treated with resin infiltration.
Materials and methods: A total number of 12 extracted caries-free human permanent premolars were used in this study. Surface roughness assessment of specimens (sound enamel) was performed using Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (R1). Specimens were subjected to a demineralization protocol until a white spot lesion (WSL) was developed (chalky white lesion) (surface roughness R2). Resin infiltrant was applied on the WSL (R3), followed by tooth brush abrasion(R4). Surface roughness assessment of specimens (R) was performed qualitatively and quantitatively using Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope for each of the four stages of the study.
Results: One-way ANOVA showed statistical significant difference between the tested groups (P= 0.001). The post-hoc test revealed that sound enamel has significantly the lowest surface roughness than all other tested groups (P= 0.001). Moreover, demineralized enamel and toothbrush abraded resin infiltrated enamel had significantly lower surface roughness than that of resin infiltrated enamel (P= 0.001). No significant differences were revealed between demineralized enamel and toothbrush abraded resin infiltrated enamel (P= 0.309).
Conclusions: Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that: 1- Surface roughness of enamel with artificial carious lesion treated with resin infiltration was higher than that of sound enamel. 2- Tooth brushing have the potential to lower the surface roughness of artificial carious lesion treated with resin infiltration.