Comparative Evaluation of Surface Roughness and Colour Stability of Four Different Composite Resins after Application of Desensitising Agents: An In-vitro Study

Abstract

Introduction: Dentinal Hypersensitivity (DH) is a common clinical condition usually associated with exposed dentinal surfaces. Desensitising agents are regularly used by patients experiencing hypersensitivity, which can affect the physical properties of the existing restorative material. Aim: To evaluate the surface roughness and colour stability of four different types of composite resin restorations after exposure to a desensitising agent. Materials and Methods: The in-vitro study was conducted in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics at Ranjeet Deshmukh Dental College and Research Centre, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India from January 2024 to March 2024. Total 56 standardised composite resin discs of size 8×2 mm thickness were prepared using four different types of composites: microhybrid, nanofilled, nanohybrid, and flowable. They were further divided into control and experimental groups based on the application of a desensitising agent, with seven samples in each subgroup. The desensitising agent was applied twice a day for three minutes for one month. Surface roughness was evaluated using a surface profilometer, and colour stability was assessed using a spectrophotometer with the Commision on Ilumination (CIE) L*a*b* formula. The data were analysed using Student’s t-test for pair-wise comparison and One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), with Tukey post-hoc tests for intergroup comparison. Results: The application of a desensitising agent on the samples resulted in a significantly greater effect on the surface roughness of the experimental subgroup than their control counterparts (p≤0.05). Among all groups, the nanofilled group exhibited the lowest surface roughness (0.418±0.047), and the colour change (1.87±0.00) was clinically acceptable. However, the flowable group had the maximum colour change amongst all the other groups (3.16±0.00). Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, nanofilled composite resin restorative material has minimal surface roughness and colour change after exposure to the desensitising agent. It can be considered the material of choice for restoration in patients with DH.

Keywords

• dentin desensitising agents
• dentin permeability
• dentin sensitivity
• flowable composite
• microhybrid composite
• nanofilled composite
• nanohybrid composite
• profilometer
• spectrophotometry