Effect of Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride Gel Application on the Surface Roughness of Resin Sealant

Abstract

When resin sealant for teeth is exposed to acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel, a commonly used fluoride application agent, its surface roughness can increase, potentially resulting in bacterial adhesion and secondary caries. Therefore, this study analyzed the effect of the application of APF gel on the surface roughness of resin sealants. Thirty-six resin sealant specimens were randomly divided into six groups, which received 1, 2 or 3 applications of APF gel or were soaked in distilled water (aquadest) 1, 2, or 3 times for 30 min. A Mitutoyo SJ201 surface roughness tester was used to measure the mean roughness. Surface roughness was significantly increased after a single gel application, but decreased significantly after two gel applications (p < 0.05). Thus, APF gel reduced resin sealant surface roughness after two or more applications.