[The surface status of polished restoration biomaterials after the use of a sodium bicarbonate spray: scanning electron microscopy].

The effects of an air-abrasive system on polished surfaces of restorative materials have been studied using scanning electron microscopy, metrology and profilography. Polished surfaces of composite resin, of amalgam and gold alloy show different alteration types in microtopography, in profile tracings and significant increased surface roughness after air-abrasive spraying; but ceramic and non-precious alloy surfaces are not affected. The composite resin surfaces should be repolished and amalgam and gold alloy surfaces made glossy after use of an air-abrasive system.