The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different periodontal therapies on the integrity of indirect restorations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Sixty single-rooted bovine teeth were selected and randomly assigned to 12 groups. Inlay cavities were prepared in the cervical region on the center of the cementoenamel junction, and were restored with laboratory processed resin and luted with a resin cement. Twelve periodontal therapies were used (n= 5): C: control (no treatment); MS: manual scaling with Gracey curettes; US: ultrasonic scaling; PP: prophylaxis with prophylactic paste; PS: prophylaxis with pumice-stone; SBJ: sodium bicarbonate jet; MS/PP; MS/PS; MS/SBJ; US/PP; US/PS; US/SBJ. The specimens were prepared and analyzed by SEM. SEM micrographs at ×100 to ×1000 magnification were obtained from the surface of the laboratory resin and the interface of the indirect restorations. The images were evaluated by 3 skillful, calibrated, blinded observers as to the presence of grooves, microcavities and fracture of margins. The results showed that PS produced groves on restoration surface. MS and US produced groves and marginal fractures on the restorations. SBJ resulted in resin cement degradation. These results suggest that except for PS, all procedures had deleterious effects on the marginal integrity of indirect restorations.
composite; dental scaling; sodium bicarbonate; dental prophylaxis; scanning electron microscopy
