Evaluation of the Effect of Polishing Methods on Surface Roughness in Primary Molars by Atomic Force Microscopy

Abstract Recurrent tooth discoloration due to the increase in roughness after polishing is a concern for patients and dentists. This study evaluated the surface roughness of primary molars after different polishing methods through atomic force microscopy (AFM). A total of 88 primary teeth were randomly assigned to 4 groups, 22 teeth in each group. Before polishing, roughness measurements and visualizations were performed with AFM. The teeth were polished with four different polishing pastes (Imipomza®, Septodent Détartrine®, Kerr Cleanic®, Shofu Mersaage Regular ®) in line with the manufacturer's recommendations. After polishing, average roughness (Ra) values, which express the surface roughness of the re-scanned teeth. The Ra scores were then statistically analysed. In the groups; while there was no significant difference in terms of roughness values ​​(Ra) within the group (p > 0.05), a statistically significant reduction in roughness (Ra) was observed on the sample surfaces after polishing in all groups compared to the baseline (p < 0.05). All polishing methods used in the treatment of primary tooth discoloration can reduce the plaque formation and thus the amount of recoloring by reducing the surface roughness at a similar level.The traditional polishing method (pumice polishing brush), which is more economical and easy to reach, can continue to be used instead of existing polishing pastes in removing discoloration on primary teeth.