SEM analysis of enamel abrasion after air polishing treatment with erythritol, glycine and sodium bicarbonate

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the enamel surface topography after treatment with three air polishing powders: Glycine (A), erythritol (B), and sodium bicarbonate (C) (Air Flow Soft, Plus and Classic powders, EMS Electro Medical Systems S.A., Nyon, Switzerland). Fifteen extracted incisors were randomly divided into three groups of five teeth each, A, B and C, respectively. The teeth were blocked in plaster bases, washed, dried and half-covered with polytetrafluoroethylene strips before treatment. In this way, each half-treated dental element became test and control of itself. Comparative statistical analysis of R-q (geometric average of the deviations occurring in roughness profile) was performed. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis showed different degrees of surface roughness between the groups, decreasing after treatment. In addition, a statistically significant reduction p < 0.05 was present in group C (R-q mean non-treated 108.17 mu m, 95% CI: 97.29-124.01 and R-q mean treated 86.78 mu m, 95% CI: 80.63-93.70). A decrease in surface roughness post-treatment was not observed in group A and B. Therefore, it may be concluded that the air flow powders tested herein can be used on dental enamel to reduce the surface roughness due to function and the action of dental therapies.