Effect of remineralization agents on surface roughness of polyacid-modified composite resin: an in vitro study
Ebru Hazar Bodrumlu, Demet Demir Yildirim
article (Uluslararası, Hakemli) | Yazar(lar): Ebru Hazar Bodrumlu, Demet Demir Yildirim | Yıl: 2026 | Dergi/Kurum: REVISTA PORTUGUESA DE ESTOMATOLOGIA MEDICINA DENTARIA E CIRURGIA MAXILOFACIAL | İndeks: WOS.ESCI | DOI: 10.24873/j.rpemd.2026.06.1579 | Anahtar Kelimeler: Calcium phosphates, Cariostatic agents, Composite
Objectives: Effective preventive measures are crucial for controlling dental caries, one of the most prevalent health problems in children. Polyacid-modified composite resin (PMCR) is commonly used in pediatric dentistry due to its aesthetic characteristics and ability to release fluoride. Surface roughness directly impacts the clinical success of this material. The present study aimed to assess the effects of various remineralizing agents on the surface roughness of PMCR. Methods: A total of 48 PMCR discs were prepared and allocated into four experimental groups based on the remineralization agent applied: amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), tricalcium phosphate (TCP), casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate with fluoride (CPP-ACP+F), and sodium fluoride (NaF). The discs' surface roughness was measured using a profilometer before and after the agents were applied. Data distribution was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and statistical comparisons were performed using Welch's ANOVA and paired-samples t-tests. Results: The surface roughness did not differ significantly between groups before the application of the remineralizing agents (p=0.074). However, it increased significantly following application in all groups. The mean increase in arithmetical mean roughness was 0.400 +/- 0.282 pm in the CPP-ACP+F group, 0.693 +/- 0.647 pm in the NaF group, 0.439 +/- 0.372 pm in the ACP group, and 0.953 +/- 0.492 pm in the TCP group. In pairwise comparisons, the TCP group showed a significantly greater increase in surface roughness than the CPP-ACP+F group. Conclusions: The present study's findings indicate that exposure to the tested remineralization agents was associated with increased surface roughness values on PMCR surfaces under this accelerated exposure protocol. Furthermore, the magnitude of this increase varied depending on the remineralization agent used. Given that surface smoothness is a critical determinant of biological compatibility and the long-term performance of restorations, the potential adverse effects of remineralization agents should be considered in clinical practice. Published by SPEMD. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).