Effect of surface roughness of porcelain on adhesion of bacteria and theirsynthesizing glucans

Statement of problem. In some instances of porcelain restoration, refinishi ng is inevitable. In terms of plaque accumulation on porcelain, refinishing could be a substitute method for glazing. Purpose. This study compared the amount of adhesion of plaque components (b acterial cells and glucans) on porcelain disks with various degrees of surf ace roughness to assess the effects of surface roughness on the amount of p laque accumulation. Material and methods. Radiolabeled cell suspensions were incubated with por celain disks for 3, 8, and 24 hours at 37 degrees C, and the amounts of adh ered cells and glucans were measured by using a liquid scintillation method . Results. The amount of cells and glucans adhered on porcelain increased wit h incubation time. The sur face roughness value and the amount of plaque ad hesion decreased with the increase in polishing level. However, the greates t amount of plaque was adhered on glazed surfaces, although their surfaces were smoother than the surfaces polished with 120- or 600-grit abrasive pap ers. Conclusion. With the exception of glazed surfaces, a positive correlation b etween surface roughness and the amount of plaque accumulation was observed . Repolishing with a diamond paste would not induce problems of plaque accu mulation, compared with an intact glazed surface.