APPLICATION OF SEM ANALYSIS IN THE EVALUATION OF SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS OF CONTEMPORARY PROSTHETIC MATERIALS AFTER PROFESSIONAL HYGIENE PROCEDURES

Abstract

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) offers a high-resolution method for detecting microstructural surface changes in dental materials caused by routine professional hygiene procedures. This in vitro study utilized SEM to investigate the effects of ultrasonic scaling and professional brushing on the surface microtopography of zirconia restorations, fabricated by CAD/CAM milling or veneered with ceramic. Specimens (n = 36; 4 × 4 × 2 mm) were obtained from 3Y-TZP-LA zirconia blocks and divided into four groups based on surface finish (polished or glazed) and fabrication method. Each subgroup was subjected to either ultrasonic scaling or brushing with an abrasive polishing paste for 1 minute, repeated in 10 cycles to simulate the effects of five years of clinical maintenance SEM imaging at 150×magnification (Model JSM-6390, JEOL, Japan) was performed before and after treatment to evaluate micromorphological changes. SEM allowed precise identification of surface defects, including microcracks, abrasive wear and glaze degradation. The most significant changes were observed in glazed samples exposed to ultrasonic scaling, with surface alterations measured at 88.31 μm for veneered zirconia and 45.38 μm for CAD/CAM-milled zirconia.The results demonstrate that standard professional hygiene procedures can significantly affect the surface integrity of glazed zirconia restorations. SEM analysis proved to be an essential diagnostic tool for early detection of clinically relevant surface damage, offering insights into material behavior and supporting the development of tailored maintenance protocols