Caries management by risk assessment (CAMBRA) and its effect on the surface roughness of various restorative materials.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Whether topical anticaries medicaments used in the oral environment will affect the surface integrity of restorative materials is uncertain. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of various anticaries agents on the surface roughness of 3 different restorative materials. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-four specimens of each restorative material (feldspathic porcelain, Ni-Cr metal ceramic alloy, and Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy) were prepared and separated into 4 equal groups for soaking in anticaries agents (Prevident Dental Rinse, ACT mouth wash, chlorhexidine gluconate, and water). A profilometer was used to measure surface roughness before and after soaking the materials for 2 years of simulated usage. The mean change in surface roughness for each specimen was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed with a 2-way ANOVA, followed by the Tukey HSD test (alpha=.05). RESULTS: A significant interaction was found between the materials and anticaries agents (F=2.64, P=.02). The significant interaction was between Prevident and chlorhexidine gluconate. Porcelain specimens soaked in Prevident produced a negative change (-0.072 +/-0.35 mum) in surface roughness (smoother surface), while chlorhexidine gluconate produced a positive change (0.094 +/-0.42 mum) in surface roughness (rougher surface). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that Prevident Dental Rinse and chlorhexidine gluconate may cause a change in the surface roughness of feldspathic porcelain.