Comparison of surface characteristics of permanent filling materials used in the posterior area after aging

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of different polishing systems and aging on the surface properties of restorative materials of different structures used in the posterior region in dentistry. Material and Method: In this study, a total of 576 disc-shaped samples of 8 mm diameter and 2 mm thickness were prepared for 2 different polishing methods (Mylar strip-MB, Kerr Occlubrush-KOB) and 4 different solution (distilled water, cola, cherry juice and ice tea) groups from 6 different composites (Filtek Z250-F250, Filtek One Bulk Fill-FOB, Sonic Fill 2-SFB, Zenit Nano Ceramic-ZNC, Gradia Plus İndirect-GPİ, Estelite Bulk Fill Flow-EBF), 2 different glass ionomer cement (Equia Forte HT Fil-EQF, Beautifil Flow Plus-BFP) 1 hybrid ceramic (Vita Enamic-VE) (n = 8). The restorative materials were placed in a metal mold and polymerized with a standard light source according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The samples were divided into subgroups according to the polishing method and polishing was done in line with the manufacturer's suggestions. Surface roughness measurements of the samples were made before and after immersion in different solutions and thermal cycles and mean roughness values recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using the Four-Way-ANOVA test. Results: All restorative materials evaluated showed varying degrees of roughness change after immersion in solutions. Type of restorative material, polishing method applied and immersion solution had a significant effect on the roughness change. The highest initial Ra value was found in VE (0.64 ± 0.04 μm) and the lowest Ra value in EBF (0.06 ± 0.02 μm) groups. Among the restorative materials, EQF showed the highest (0.09 ± 0.19 μm) and EBF (0.02 ± 0.01μm), GPI (0.02 ± 0.02 μm) and Z250 (0.02 ± 0.02 μm) showed the lowest roughness change (p <0.05). Among the polishing groups, MB groups (0.05±0.1 μm) showed higher roughness change than KOB groups (0.04±0.03 μm). When the beverage groups were evaluated, the highest roughness change was caused by cola (0.06±0.06 μm) and distilled water (0.03±0.04 μm) caused the least. (p<0.05). Conclusions: According to the results of this study, surface roughness, of restorative materials, effected by the type of composite material, polishing methods and acidic drinks. The highest roughness change was observed in the EQF group and the least roughness change was seen in the EBF group after immersion in solutions. Keywords: Restorative material, polishing method, thermal cyclus, acidic drinks, surface roughness.