Confocal laser microscopic analysis of biofilm on newer feldspar ceramic.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the surface roughness, hydrophobicity and in situ dental biofilm associated with microfilled feldspar ceramics submitted to the different finishing and polishing procedures. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Samples were made according to the manufacturer's instructions and allocated to groups as follows: glaze (G1); glaze and diamond bur (G2); glaze, diamond bur and rubber tips (G3) and glaze, diamond bur, rubber tips and felt disks impregnated with a fine-aluminum oxide particle based paste (G4). Roughness was evaluated with a roughness analyzer (Ra). Hydrophobicity was determined by the contact angle of deionized water on samples. Biofilm was evaluated eight hours after formation in the oral environment using confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning-electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: Significant differences were found related to roughness (G1