Aim: The purpose of thisin vitrostudy was to examine the effect of two different finishing systems on the surface roughness of different types of composite restorative materials.Methods and Materials: Thirty specimens, 8 mm in diameter and 3 mm in depth, were prepared using a microfill composite (Clearfil ST, Kuraray Co. Ltd., Osaka, Japan), a hybrid composite (Clearfil AP-X, Kuraray Co. Ltd., Osaka, Japan), and a packable composite (Clearfil Photo Posterior, Kuraray Co. Ltd., Osaka, Japan) cured against a Mylar matrix strip to create a baseline surface. The average surface roughness was measured using a surface profilometer (Surftest 211, Mitutoyo, Japan) in five different positions on each sample before and after finishing with one of the two finishing systems [Sof-Lex discs (3M) and Po-Go (Dentsply)]. The obtained data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a p=0.05 significance level.Results: There were statistically significant differences in the average surface roughness (Ra, ìm) between the Mylar matrix strip, Sof-Lex discs, and Po-Go discs (p<0.05). For all tested materials, the Mylar matrix strip provided smoother surfaces than both of the finishing systems (p<0.05). When the finishing discs were compared, Sof-Lex discs produced a smoother surface than Po-Go discs for all tested materials (p<0.05).Conclusion: The Mylar matrix strip provided a smoother surface than Sof-Lex and Po-Go discs. Furthermore, Sof-Lex discs produced smoother surfaces than Po-Go discs. Sof-Lex and Po-Go systems produced clinically acceptable surface roughness for microfill, hybrid, and packable composite resin materials. The effect of finishing and polishing systems on surface roughness was dependent on both the system and the composite resin restorative material.Citation: Üçtaşli MB, Arisu HD, Ömürlü H, Eligüzeloğlu E, Özcan S, Ergun G. The Effect of Different Finishing and Polishing Systems on the Surface Roughness of Different Composite Restorative Materials. J Contemp Dent Pract 2007 February;(8)2:089-096.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of multiple consecutive adhesive coatings of a one-step self-etch adhesive on microleakage of Class V cavities. Standardized box shaped Class V cavities were prepared onto the buccal side of forty five non-carious human premolar teeth. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups of fifteen teeth in each and restored as: Group I- one-step self-etch adhesive resin (Clearfil S3, Kuraray Co. Ltd., Osaka, Japan) was applied according to the manufacturer's instructions, Group II- two consecutive same one-step self-etch adhesive application was performed, and Group III- three consecutive same one-step self-etch adhesive application was performed. After the adhesive applications light curing unit was activated for 20 seconds and the cavities were restored with a composite resin. The restorations were finished with aluminum oxide discs and the specimens were stored in water at room temperature for 24 hours before they were immersed in 2% methylene blue for 48 hours. The dye penetration was examined under a stereomicroscope and the asymtotic significance were analysed with Kruskall Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests and dentin-enamel margins were compared with each other with Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. The microleakage at the dentinal margins of Class V cavities were significantly decreased with two (Group II) and three (Group III) consecutive adhesive applications (P<.05). There was no significant difference between Group I, Group II and Group III at the enamel margins (P<.05). The microleakage at the dentinal margins were significantly higher than the enamel margins in Group I and Group II but in Group III there was no statistically significant difference (P<.05). Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it may be concluded that three consecutive applications of the one-step self-etch adhesive resin provided better sealing than the one coat of adhesive resin at the dentinal margins of Class V cavities.

Background: Currently, the advantages of monochromatic universal composite resin restorative materials have increased their use in dentistry. Accordingly, the optical, surface and mechanical properties of these materials have become more important. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of detox solution on discoloration, surface roughness (SR), and microhardness of different monochromatic universal composite resins (Omnichroma [O], Zenchroma [Z], Vittra [V], and Charisma Diamond One [CDO]). Another aim of this study was to evaluate the monomer conversion degree (DC) of the materials. Methods: A total of 80 specimens were prepared to evaluate the materials (n = 10). After the initial measurements, the specimens were immersed in a red detox solution for 21 days. Statistical data analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparisons. Results: The ∆E values of Z were highest on the 21st day. There was an increase in the SR values of the materials immersed in the detox solution. On the 21st day, top surface microhardness of O was lower than the other materials. There was no statistically significant difference at DC values among material groups. Conclusions: The use of detox solutions for a commercially recommended period of 21 days is suggested. However, this usage period can cause discoloration in restorative materials. Furthermore, especially in the initial one-week period, detox solution may have a negative impact on the microhardness of the materials. In light of all these data, we recommend the cautious use of detox solutions to prevent adverse effects on restorative materials.

Background/Objectives: Official data on the oral health of young children in Romania are limited, especially concerning the societal shifts following the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to compare the oral health status, hygiene habits, diet, and dental care patterns of 6-year-old children in a rural Romanian region before and after the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional survey studied two groups of 6-year-olds from rural Transylvania: Group 1 (n = 77), assessed 2018–2020 pre-pandemic, and Group 2 (n = 136), assessed in 2024 post-pandemic. Clinical data used the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Parents completed questionnaires on oral hygiene, diet, dental visits, and pandemic-related topics for Group 2. Chi-square, Student’s t-tests, and a multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data. Results: Post-pandemic, 70% of children brushed twice daily, up from 26%. Despite this, negative outcomes increased: the number of affected teeth rose from 6.8% to 29.6% (p < 0.001), sugar intake increased, and dental visits became more reactive, with pain being the main reason for 61% of post-pandemic visits, compared to 17% pre-pandemic. Conclusions: This study reveals a significant oral health paradox: despite a three-fold increase in recommended toothbrushing, caries experience in permanent teeth increased four-fold. This outcome was driven by a high-risk environment of more cariogenic diets and reduced preventive care, with lower maternal education also identified as a key independent risk factor. These findings show that promoting hygiene alone is insufficient, underscoring the urgent need for public health programs that integrate nutritional counseling, improve access to preventive care, and address underlying socioeconomic disparities.

Background/Objectives: Official data on the oral health of young children in Romania are limited, especially concerning the societal shifts following the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to compare the oral health status, hygiene habits, diet, and dental care patterns of 6-year-old children in a rural Romanian region before and after the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional survey studied two groups of 6-year-olds from rural Tran-sylvania: Group 1 (n=77), assessed 2018-2020 pre-pandemic, and Group 2 (n=136), as-sessed in 2024 post-pandemic. Clinical data used the DMFT index. Parents completed questionnaires on oral hygiene, diet, dental visits, and pandemic-related topics for Group 2. Chi-square and Student’s t-tests were used to analyze the data. Results: Post-pandemic, 70% of children brushed twice daily, up from 26%. Despite this, negative outcomes in-creased: affected teeth rose from 6.8% to 29.6% (p < 0.001), sugar intake grew, and dental visits were more reactive, with pain being the main reason for 61% of post-pandemic visits versus 17% pre-pandemic. Conclusions: The post-pandemic period is characterized by a paradoxical oral health situation in this pediatric cohort, where cariogenic dietary habits and reduced access to preventive dental care offset improved personal hygiene. The persistence of high untreated caries rates underscores the urgent need for robust national public health programs in Romania focused on nutritional education and promoting proactive, rather than pain-driven, dental attendance.