Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. 2020 Jun, Vol-14(6): ZC11-ZC14 11 11 DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2020/43880.13740 Original Article Dentistry Section Effect of Three Different Polishing Systems on Surface Texture of Nanoﬁlled Composite- A Proﬁlometric Study INTRODUCTION The continuous search for a tooth-coloured restorative material has resulted in signiﬁcant improvements in aesthetic dentistry and one among them is the composite resins. Dental composites are deﬁned as polymeric materials which are highly cross-linked and are reinforced by a dispersion of glass, crystalline or resin ﬁller particles and/or short ﬁbers attached to the matrix by silane coupling agent [1,2]. Surface texture or smoothness is an important property of any restorative material. Improper surface ﬁnishing and polishing of restoration causes plaque retention, superﬁcial discoloration and secondary caries [3]. However, literature has revealed major concern with ﬁnishing and polishing of composite resin [4]. Traditionally various ﬁnishing and polishing systems like carbide and diamond ﬁnishing burs, abrasive strips, polishing pastes etc. have been used. To overcome the drawbacks of these systems like formation of roughness, generation of frictional heat and creation of tensile and shear stress on restorations, newer generations ﬁnishing and polishing agents like aluminium-oxide impregnated discs, silicon cups and points, durable polyethylene discs etc., are being used recently [5]. Previous studies have showed polishability of composite resin materials and the ability of polishing instruments for the same [6-10]. Coupled with aesthetic demand, ever increasing advancement in composite resin materials and ﬁnishing and polishing instruments, the present in-vitro study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the effect of these polishing systems (Sof-Lex XT, Enhance and PoGo, KeerHawe and OptiDisc) on the surface texture of nanoﬁlled composite resin (Filtek Z350XT, 3M ESPE, St.Paul, MN, USA). MATERIALS AND METHODS This in-vitro experimental study was conducted in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Dental College and Hospital, Sangli in collaboration with Department of Mechanical Engineering, Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli, Maharashtra, India. The study was approved by Institutional Ethical Committee on December 7 th 2017 (Letter number -BVDUMC and H/Sangli IEC/ Dissertation 2017-18/251) and duration was about 8 months in the calendar year 2019. In this study, a nanoﬁlled composite resin (Filtek Z350 XT {Universal Restorative, 3M ESPE St.Paul, MN, USA}) and three polishing systems (Sof-Lex XT {3M do Brasil Ltda. Sumare, SP, Brasil}, Enhance and PoGo {DENTSPLY Caulk}, KerrHawe and OptiDisc {Kerr, Switzerland}) were used. The sample size was determined from data obtained from previous research by Scheibe KG et al. (2009), journal of applied sciences and using Gpower 3.0.10 [11]. Sample size estimation:  Input: Tail(s)=Two Effect size d=1.1206301 α err prob=0.05 Power (1-β err prob)=0.95 Allocation ratio N2/N1=1  Output: Noncentrality parameter=3.716710 Critical t=2.018082 df=42 Sample size per group=22 Total sample size (3x22)=66 Preparation of Specimens Sixty six acrylic resin (DPI RR cold cure, Mumbai) blocks measuring 2 cm in diameter and 2 cm in height were prepared from plastic mould. Circular cavity measuring 8 mm in diameter and 3 mm in depth was prepared in each acrylic resin block using high speed airotor (>2,00,000 rpm) with round and straight ﬁssure burs. Dimensions SUMIT BALASAHEB VHATE 1 , SHARAD BASAVARAJ KAMAT 2 , SANTOSH IRAPPA HUGAR 3 , GIRISH SHANKAR NANJANNAWAR 4 , ANURADHA VITTHAL WANKHADE 5 Keywords: Burs, Disc, Specimen, Surface proﬁlometer, Surface roughness ABSTRACT Introduction: Improper ﬁnishing and polishing of composite resins always present a problem to dental practitioner. Advances in composite resin materials and the instruments used for ﬁnishing and polishing has revolutionised the art of aesthetic dentistry. This study utilises surface texture of composite resin as a quality of ﬁnishing and polishing achieved by polishing systems. Aim: To evaluate the surface texture of nanoﬁlled composite resin (Filtek Z350XT) polished by Sof-Lex XT, Enhance and PoGo, KerrHawe and OptiDisc polishing systems. Materials and Methods: In this in-vitro experimental study, three polishing systems were tested for surface texture of a nanoﬁlled composite resin (Filtek Z350XT, USA). A total of 66 specimens (2 cm in diameter and 2 cm in height) were prepared from acrylic mold. Circular cavity measuring 8 mm in diameter and 3 mm in depth were prepared in each specimen. All the cavities were ﬁlled with nanoﬁlled composite resin. The ﬁlled specimens were divided into 3 groups of 22 each and polished by Sof-Lex XT, Enhance and PoGo, KerrHawe and OptiDisc respectively. The surface roughness was measured by surface proﬁlometer. Data was analysed by using ANOVA test between treatment groups. Results: The surface roughness (Ra) was less for the Sof-Lex XT group (0.35±0.09) as compared to Enhance and PoGo (0.56±0.14), KerrHawe and OptiDisc groups (0.59±0.15). One-way ANOVA test revealed p≤0.05 which was statistically signiﬁcant. Conclusion: The Sof-Lex XT system was found to be more effective as compared to other two systems.