Morphologic texture characterization allied to cigarette smoke increase pigmentation in composite resin restorations.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The staining effect of tobacco smoke on resin color is clinically observed. However, there is no evidence determining whether this staining is increased on texturized surfaces or if the color change is superficial and can be removed by repolishing procedures.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of tobacco smoke on the color of a composite with smooth or texturized surfaces, before and after repolishing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty composite specimens were allocated into four groups (N = 10): Smooth surface not exposed (G1) and exposed to tobacco smoke (G2), texturized surface not exposed (G3), and exposed to tobacco smoke (G4). During 21 days, G2 and G4 were daily exposed to the smoke from 20 cigarettes. Color measurements were carried out at baseline, after 21 days, and after repolishing. Variables L* (luminosity), b* (blue-yellow), and DeltaE (total color change) were statistically analyzed (repeated measures analysis of variance/Tukey).

RESULTS

Texturized and smooth specimens presented similar luminosity at baseline. Tobacco smoke significantly reduced L* in G2 and G4, and increased b* in G4. After repolishing, L* increased and b* reduced in stained groups, but values continued to be different from baseline ones. Repolishing significantly reduced DeltaE, but values from stained groups were still greater than that from unstained groups.

CONCLUSION

Tobacco smoke changes the color of composite, and surface texture can increase the staining. Repolishing reduces superficial staining, but this procedure may not return the composite to baseline color.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Smokers that will receive anterior composite restorations should be warned about the negative cosmetic effect of the smoking habit on the color of restorations.