Effect of different polishing techniques on surface properties and bacterial adhesion on resin-ceramic CAD/CAM materials.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans on the surface of CAD/CAM materials with various surface treatments. METHODS: Vita Enamic, Lava Ultimate, and Cerasmart materials were used in this study. A total of 90 samples were prepared (n = 10). After various finishing and polishing procedures (non-polished, manual polished, and glazed), surface roughness (SR) measurements, surface free energy (SFE), and elemental and topographic analysis with FIB-SEM/EDX were used to evaluate the samples' surface properties. To improve bacterial adhesion, CAD/CAM materials were covered with sterile artificial saliva containing mucin for pellicle formation and incubated for 1 h at 37 °C. Bacteria were then inoculated into the pellicle-coated specimens, and incubation was performed at 37 °C for 24 h. Bacterial adhesion was determined as × 105 CFU/mL and monitored using FIB-SEM analysis. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to statistically analyze the normality of the distribution; the groups were then compared using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. RESULTS: The SR of the control group was statistically higher in all materials (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in SR between all materials in the non-polished and manual polished groups (p > 0.05). The Vita Enamic control group exhibited the highest SFE value. The highest S. mutans adhesion was observed in non-polished (p < 0.05). Vita Enamic samples had higher CFU than other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Non-polished surfaces showed higher SR and bacterial adhesion. Polishing processes affected the surface properties and bacterial adhesion. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Care must be taken in polishing restorations to minimize the risk of bacterial adhesion and recurrent caries. TRIAL REGISTRATION In this study, the materials used for dental treatments are in vitro evaluated. Due to that, this study is not registered to clinical trials.