Scanning Electron Microscopic Analysis of Enamel Morphology Post Interproximal Reduction, Finishing and Sealant Application: An in Vitro Study

The objective of present study was to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the surface irregularities produced by three different methods of IPR followed by polishing and sealant application, using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Profilometer.

The study sample comprised of 100 extracted permanent maxillary 1st premolar teeth divided into 10 groups with 1 control group and 9 experimental groups according to the stripping method employed (hand-pulled abrasive strips, air rotor stripping and IPR file system) and subsequent finishing procedures (sealant application and polishing strips). The statistically significant intergroup comparison for the difference of mean scores between independent groups and difference among groups was determined by t test, one-way analyses of variance (Anova) and Tukey HSD Post Hoc test at level of significance set at 5%. or p < 0.05.

Surface roughness value (Ra) obtained using Profilometer and SEM images at 500x and 1500x magnification of IPR using diamond burs followed by sealant application (Group 7) had reasonably smooth surface. IPR File System when used with non-possibility of carrying out any adjunct finishing procedures (Group 4), disturbed the enamel surface to the least.

Finishing procedures used post IPR gave smoother enamel surfaces making it necessary for reduction of number and depth of grooves created by IPR. Best combination which produced minimal enamel surface roughness post IPR in present study was diamond burs followed by sealant application.