scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question

Showing papers in "Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry in 1988"



Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Bone loss around osseointegrated titanium fixtures supporting mandibular fixed prostheses has been measured by means of stereoscopic intraoral radiography and poor oral hygiene and clenching of teeth significantly influenced bone loss.
Abstract: Bone loss around osseointegrated titanium fixtures supporting mandibular fixed prostheses has been measured by means of stereoscopic intraoral radiography. Forty-six patients treated with the osseointegration implant method according to Branemark have been followed for an observation period of up to 6 years. The bone loss was small, approximately 0.5 mm during the first postsurgical year and thereafter 0.06 to 0.08 mm annually. Poor oral hygiene and clenching of teeth significantly influenced bone loss. More bone was lost around the medial fixtures than around the more posterior ones.

380 citations




Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is shown that mastication in normal dentate subjects is associated with a great variety of movement modes and certain occlusal or functional properties cannot be characterized by a single type of chewing pattern but instead by a specific distribution of patterns.
Abstract: This study has shown that mastication in normal dentate subjects is associated with a great variety of movement modes. The dependence of chewing patterns on the resistance of food proves that the chewing system is capable of marked variations. A complete assessment of chewing behavior therefore demands the use of both tough and soft foods. Physiologic chewing of tough food is dominated by angulated grinding-type movements, whereas soft consistencies are chewed with drop-shaped or lenticular patterns. In a random sample of patients with good chewing function, approximately 95% of Angle class I and II occlusions were found, which statistically differed neither in chewing pattern distribution nor in movement parameters. As shown in this study, certain occlusal or functional properties cannot be characterized by a single type of chewing pattern but instead by a specific distribution of patterns. As a basis for the evaluation of such investigations, a method for the classification and ordered documentation of observed movement modes is necessary. The scheme used here includes all types of chewing movements that have been presently observed. It permits the recognition of patterns and the quantitative description of their frequencies and variations.

171 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Forty patients with three different types of symptomatic disk-interference disorders were treated with anterior repositioning splint therapy for 8 weeks, and 80% of the patients were free of joint sound and pain.
Abstract: Forty patients with three different types of symptomatic disk-interference disorders were treated with anterior repositioning splint therapy for 8 weeks. At the end of that period 80% of the patients were free of joint sound and pain. Each patient's splint was then gradually modified until the patient's original occlusal condition was reestablished. Each patient was then allowed to function in that position. The patients were reevaluated an average of 2 1/2 years later. Seventy-five percent of the patients had no joint pain and 66% had a return of joint sounds. Sixty-six percent of the patients did not find the need to seek additional treatment for jaw pain and dysfunction.

152 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A method was described that includes a stent provided by the restorative dentist indicating optimum implant location that is worn by the patient during tomographic radiographic survey, which provides a more accurate image of the quantity and quality of the osseous structures.
Abstract: A method was described that includes a stent provided by the restorative dentist indicating optimum implant location. The stent, with imbedded metal bearings, is worn by the patient during tomographic radiographic survey. The tomogram provides a more accurate image of the quantity and quality of the osseous structures. The same template may be used as a surgical stent to aid the surgeon in initial bur placement. Through careful planning and systematic control, the predictable placement of osseointegrated implants can be achieved. With cooperative efforts of restorative dentists and surgeons, more than 400 implants have been successfully placed at University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dentistry.

147 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results support the need for use of a denture cleanser in addition to brushing with a Dentu-Creme abrasive denture paste for proper denture hygiene.
Abstract: The objective of this research was to compare the ability of the two most popular methods for denture cleaning to remove plaque microorganisms from dentures. Dentu-Creme abrasive denture paste and Efferdent alkaline peroxide denture-cleanser soak were selected for study. Two trials were completed in which these materials were used alone and in combination along with a no-treatment control to determine the level of recoverable plaque bacteria from removable dentures. Plaque was allowed to accumulate for 48 or 72 hours in individuals with healthy oral mucosa during which time they refrained from all denture hygiene procedures. The results of two studies following similar double-blind cross-over designs were consistent in that soaking with the denture cleanser caused a significantly greater reduction of microorganisms than did brushing with the denture paste. Further, combining brushing with the soak did not reduce the level of recoverable microorganisms significantly more than soaking alone. Overall, brushing alone did not consistently remove more microorganisms than were observed in the no-treatment group. The denture-cleanser soak displayed broad antimicrobial activity against gram-negative anaerobic rods ( Fusobacterium sp.), gram-positive facultative cocci (streptococci), and gram-negative anaerobic cocci ( Veillonella sp. ), as well as total recoverable microorganisms, which were all equally reduced by the denture-cleanser treatment. These results support the need for use of a denture cleanser in addition to brushing with a denture paste for proper denture hygiene.

138 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A combination of factors relating to stage of tumor and treatment was found in the ORN patients, and a high dose of radiation, with conventional fractionation did not specifically predispose patients to osteoradionecrosis.
Abstract: The histories of 14 patients in whom osteoradionecrosis developed were compared with those of 28 patients who had similar tumors and/or treatment and were not afflicted with osteoradionecrosis. 1. Fourteen of 15 episodes of bone complications occurred in the mandible, and 70% occurred within 1 year after the completion of radiation therapy. 2. A high dose of radiation, with conventional fractionation, did not specifically predispose patients to osteoradionecrosis. Fifty percent of the ORN patients actually received a total dose of 6000 rad or less. Combined radiation therapy and surgery did not seem to significantly increase the risk inasmuch as both groups of patients had similar combinations. In two of four patients who received methotrexate, however, osteoradionecrosis developed during the time of administration. 3. One of the most prevalent negative factors associated with the ORN patients was the continued heavy use of alcohol and tobacco by 86% of them. These strong tissue irritants could have significantly contributed to the breakdown of mucosa and exposure of bone. Alcohol and tobacco could also have potentiated the combined effects of the other negative factors, such as contributing to poor oral hygiene. 4. The ORN patients had poorer oral hygiene than the control group. Seventy-five percent of the patients with teeth who had osteoradionecrosis continued to have poor oral hygiene. In contrast, none of the control patients had poor oral hygiene. 5. A combination of factors relating to stage of tumor and treatment was found in the ORN patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

138 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is indicated that an ICP anterior to the RCP in association with bilateral occlusal stability may be protective.
Abstract: Two complete classes of freshman dental and dental hygiene students, 120 men and 102 women (mean age 23.9 years) were assessed for the presence of masticatory pain or dysfunction by questionnaire, clinical examination, and evaluation of dental casts according to strict criteria. The purpose was to identify the degree of association between observable signs of TMJ disorders and selected combinations of occlusal variables. TMJ tenderness was more frequent in class II, division 2 than in class I (p less than .05), but overall was not associated with occlusal factors such as deep overbites, length of a symmetric RCP-ICP slide, and unilateral contact in RCP. Overall, clicking was not associated with Angle class, deep overbite, length of symmetric RCP-ICP slide, or unilateral RCP contact. Among subjects with unilateral RCP contact, those with no clinically obvious RCP-ICP slide (p less than .005) and those with asymmetric slides (p less than .05) had more TMJ clicking than subjects with symmetric slides. Luxation clicking of the condyle over the articular eminence on wide opening was absent in class II, division 2 subjects, but was most frequent in subjects with some teeth in unilateral posterior crossbite, particularly when this was a unilateral condition (p less than .001). Certain occlusomorphologic conditions may require less adaptation in the TMJs. This article indicates that an ICP anterior to the RCP in association with bilateral occlusal stability may be protective.

121 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Dentin application to prepare dentin creates a more retentive surface for composite bonding, which moves closer to acceptable usefulness as research progresses.
Abstract: As research progresses, laser energy moves closer to acceptable usefulness Laser application to prepare dentin creates a more retentive surface for composite bonding

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Comparison of preparations done by residents and by prosthodontists in this study showed that ideal preparation taper is seldom achieved, and it is advisable to design preparations that blend retentive characteristics with functional demands.
Abstract: Convergence angles of full-coverage preparations were measured in a clinical environment and compared with each other and the ideal taper of 4 to 10 degrees. Despite educational emphasis, the practical application of preparation design routinely exceeds the ideal taper and casts a different light on retention and resistance characteristics described in both laboratory and theoretical work. Comparison of preparations done by residents and by prosthodontists in this study showed that ideal preparation taper is seldom achieved. Given the complex interrelationships of clinical, theoretical, and mechanical factors that determine the retention and resistance characteristics of a preparation in vivo, it is advisable to design preparations that blend retentive characteristics with functional demands. Because it is difficult to assess preparation taper intraorally, efforts should be directed to using other retentive devices, especially on posterior preparations where ideal taper is difficult to achieve.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: There is no universally accepted or completely accurate method of determining the vertical dimension of occlusion in edentulous patients and there seem to be no significant advantages of one technique other than those of cost, time, and equipment requirements.
Abstract: Summary The vertical dimension of occlusion refers to the length of the face as determined by the amount of separation of the jaws. Its determination is important for fabrication of all restorations. Many techniques have been used for measurement of the vertical dimension of occlusion in dentulous and edentulous patients. 9–25 These range from using preextraction records 9 to the use of swallowing, 16 functionally acquired jaw positions associated with phonetics, 17,19 and cephalometric radiographs and evaluation of radiopaque paste in the vestibular fornix. 25 There is no universally accepted or completely accurate method of determining the vertical dimension of occlusion in edentulous patients. There seem to be no significant advantages of one technique other than those of cost, time, and equipment requirements. It is the end result that matters. It should be satisfactory to the dentist and the patient from an esthetic point of view and not induce degenerative changes from a functional standpoint. Regardless of the technique, the vertical dimension of occlusion must be determined carefully by the dentist for a successful prosthesis.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The technique could be used clinically with possible implications for cavity design, fracture resistance of restored teeth, and recurrent caries, as well as the variables affecting bond strength need further exploration.
Abstract: Amalgam can be bonded to etched enamel by a thin coat of Panavia resin cement with a resulting mean bond strength of 1404 psi to enamel and 469 psi to dentin as tested in tension. Less microleakage was observed in resin-bonded amalgam restorations than in Copal varnish-lined or unlined restorations. The technique could be used clinically with possible implications for cavity design, fracture resistance of restored teeth, and recurrent caries. These properties as well as the variables affecting bond strength need further exploration.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The prevalence of TMJ signs and symptoms was notable even though two thirds reported only mild or early symptoms, with only 3% reporting severe symptoms.
Abstract: Freshman dental and dental hygiene students, 120 men and 102 women (mean age 23.9 years), were assessed for the presence of masticatory pain or dysfunction by questionnaire, clinical examination, and evaluation of dental casts according to strict criteria. The purpose was to identify and analyze the level of signs and symptoms in a nonpatient population and describe occlusal variation. The prevalence of TMJ signs and symptoms was notable even though two thirds reported only mild or early symptoms, with only 3% reporting severe symptoms. This population was noted for the absence of locking, the low frequency of severe pain or severe TMJ dysfunction, and the low prevalence of restricted ranges of mandibular movement and TMJ crepitation. Women showed significantly more headache, TMJ clicking and tenderness, and muscle tenderness than men. Men were noted for the absence of severe and widespread muscle tenderness and severe TMJ tenderness. TMJ clicking was not always clinically confirmable in subjects with widespread muscle tenderness. This group was considered compatible with previous epidemiologic findings, and also matches the age range of most subjects seeking treatment for TMJ disorders. Therefore, the subjects in the study were considered a representative group of young adults and suitable for study of the possible associations between early signs of TMJ disorders and variables of morphologic malocclusion, which are discussed in Parts II and III of this article.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This study determined the dimensional changes of heat-cured poly(methy1 methacrylate) resin processed by the injection processing system compared with that processed by a conventional compression packing technique.
Abstract: C omplete denture fabrication is fraught with both extrinsic and intrinsic potential error. The greater part of this error can be controlled with careful clinical and laboratory technique. ’ Woelfel and Paffenbarge9 outlined the inaccuracies inherent to the use of poly(methy1 methacrylate) as a denture base material. Dimensional change during processing is one such source of error. The processing shrinkage of poly(methy1 methacrylate) resin is well documented.*” Injection processing of poly(methy1 methacrylate) denture bases was introduced by Pryor in an attempt to reduce processing shrinkage. More recently a continuous-pressure injection technique has been developed (SR-Ivocap, Ivoclar AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein). As discussed by Schmidt9 the process claims to deliver reduced processing error and increased resin density through layered curing of the resin and no processing flash. Trituration of the liquidpowder system is mechanically performed in prepackaged capsules in an attempt to produce a more even mix resulting in a homogeneous denture base. The mixed resin is injected into the flask under continuous pressure during the processing.” This study determined the dimensional changes of heat-cured poly(methy1 methacrylate) resin processed by the injection processing system compared with that processed by a conventional compression packing technique.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The small-area colorimeter is able to detect statistically significant and perceivable color differences between shades of porcelain and the manipulative variables of firing temperature and condensation have little influence on the color of the restorations.
Abstract: Certain variables were tested for their influence on the color of ceramic metal restorations The variables included firing temperature, condensation technique, modeling liquid, and brand of porcelain In addition, the color of different nominal shades was compared The color was measured with a Minolta CR-121 small-area colorimeter The small (7 mm2) measuring area enabled readings to be made on actual crown specimens rather than disks The results were expressed in the CIELAB color system enabling comparisons to be made related to visual perception The following conclusions can be drawn from the study 1 The small-area colorimeter is able to detect statistically significant and perceivable color differences between shades of porcelain The variation in color parameters associated with making replications of a restoration is significantly greater than the error associated with making repeated color measurements of the same restoration 2 Restorations made with the different brands of porcelain studied have noticeably different colors despite having the same nominal shade 3 Color changes caused by the choice of modeling liquid were not statistically significant in this study If the mean color differences are truly representative, using Rainbow or Carv-eze modeling liquids with Vita VMK porcelain may produce color changes that are just barely detectable 4 The manipulative variables of firing temperature and condensation have little influence on the color of the restorations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: 12. occlusion concepts in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment: a comparison between children and adults.
Abstract: 12. Roth RH. Functional occlusion for the orthodontist. J Clin Orthod 1981;15:32-40. Roth RH. Functional occlusion for the orthodontist. Part II. J Clin Orthod 1981;15:100-23. Roth RH. Functional occlusion for the orthodontist. Part III. J Clin Orthod 1981;15:174-9. Brandt S. JCO/interviews: Dr. Eugene H. Williamson on occlusion and TMJ dysfunction. J Clin Orthod 1981;15:33350. Williamson EH. Occlusal concepts in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment. In -Johnston LE, ed. New vistas in orthodontics. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger, 1985;122-47. Kydd WL, Sarder A. A study of posterior mandibular movements from intercuspal occlusal position. J Dent Res 1961; 40:419-25. Ingervall B. Retruded contact position of the mandible. a comparison between children and adults. Odont Revy 1964; 15: 130-49. Hodge LC Jr, Mahan PE. A study of mandibular movement from centric occlusion to maximum intercuspation. J PROSTHET DENT 1967;18:19-30. Beaton WD, Cleall JF. CineRuorographic and cephalometric study of Class I ;acceptable occlusion. Am J Orthod 19?3;64:46979. Calagna LJ, Silverman SI, Garfinkel L. Influence of neuromuscular conditioning on centric registrations. J PROSTHET DEET 1973;30:598-604. Rieder CE. The prevalence and magnitude of mandibular displacement in a survey population. J PROSTHET DENT 1978; 39~324-9. Hoffman PJ, Silverman SI, Garfinkel L. Comparison of condylar position in centric relation and in centric occlusion in dentulous subjects. J PROSTHET DENT 1973;30:582-8. 13.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: To compare different surgical insertion procedures, histologic and histometric studies were made on the structure of the interface between jaw bone and implants in two monkeys, finding no difference between TiO2 coated and noncoated materials.
Abstract: Summary To compare different surgical insertion procedures, histologic and histometric studies were made on the structure of the interface between jaw bone and implants in two monkeys. Two materials were tested; TiO 2 coated and noncoated, screw-type titanium alloy endosseous implants. All implants by tapping insertion were healed with direct bone apposition whereas implants by nontapping insertion revealed some degrees of fibrous connective tissue intervention between bone and implant. No difference was found between TiO 2 coated and noncoated materials.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A specific classification system has been presented to identify responses by individuals who are made edentulous and three types of maladaptive responses are considered as probable consequences of fear, anxiety, and depression associated with tooth loss and complete dentures.
Abstract: The classification system of maladaptability presented in a previous paper was reviewed in the present one. Three major sources that significantly influence patient responses to tooth loss and subsequent dentures were discussed. They are parental influences, the symbolic significances of teeth, and current life circumstances. Each of the maladaptive categories is represented by these histories.


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The effect of a jet abrasive instrument (Prophy-Jet) on root surfaces and the effects of an airbrasive instrument on dental hard tissues, skin and oral mucosa are studied.
Abstract: 6. Willmann DE, Norling BK, Johnson WN. A new prophylaxis instrument: effect on enamel alterations. J Am Dent Assoc 1980;101:923-5. Atkinson DR, Cobb CM, Killoy WJ. The effect of an airPowder abrasivse system on in vitro root surfaces. J Periodontol 1984;55:13-8. Boyde A. Airpolishing effects on enamel, dentine, cement and bone. Br Dent ,J 1984;156:287-91. Petersson LG, Hellden L, Jongblord W, Arends J. The effect of a jet abrasive instrument (Prophy-Jet) on root surfaces. Swed Dent J 1985;9:193-9. Newman PS, Silverwood RA, Dolby AE. The effects of an airbrasive instrument on dental hard tissues, skin and oral mucosa. Br Dent J 1985;159:9-12. 7. Clinical Research Associates. Subject: oral prophylaxis: ProphyJet. Clin Res Assoc Newsletter 1981;52:1-2. 8. Lubow RM, Cooley RL. Effect of air-powder abrasive.instrument on restorative materials. J PROSTHET DENT 1986;55: 462-5. 9. Cooley RL, Lubow RM, Patrissi GA. The effect of an airpowder abrasive instrument on composite resin. J Am Dent Assoc 1986;112:362-4.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The conclusions were: 1.
Abstract: The conclusions were: 1. The Cerestore crown system produced an impressive marginal fit without technique sensitivity. However, irregularities on the crown margin due to the porosities of the fired core were noted. 2. The Dicor castable ceramic crown system in this study produced rounded marginal openings because of the shrinkage during ceramming, the treatment of the surface texture after ceramming, and damage from air abrasives. 3. The Ceplatec crown system produced a suitable marginal fit when the distortion of the foil coping during porcelain firing was controlled. The quality of the margin was ultimately determined by the skill of the technician.



Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Favorable bonding strength of greater than 200 kg/cm2 was obtained after 20,000 thermocycles in both treatment methods and the single-heating method was studied for application to fixed partial dentures and other adhesionretained restorat:ions.
Abstract: A lthough several efforts have been made to develop adhesives and bonding methods for dental gold alloys, the results failed to provide adequate attachment to counteract the severe conditions in the oral cavity.le3 Poor water resistance of the adhesives or lack of effective surface pretreatment of the gold alloys were the main reasons for failure. Previous studies found that adhesives containing 4methacryloxyethyl trimellitate anhydride (CMETA), a synthesized adhlesion-promoting monomer, provided strong adhesion 1.0 nonprecious alloys.4,5 In addition, the bonding durability of the 4-META resin with these alloys was much improved by oxidation of the metal surface. To apply these findings to gold alloys, various trials using experimental thermosetting type 4-META resins were conducted. This research resulted in two kinds of surface oxidation, singleand double-heating.6 Because the clinical use of a thermosetting resin is less frequent than that of a self-curing resin, the effectiveness of both surface treatments with a self-curing type 4-META resin was investigated.‘,* Favorable bonding strength of greater than 200 kg/cm2 was obtained after 20,000 thermocycles in both treatment methods. In addition, the single-heating method was studied for application to fixed partial dentures and other adhesionretained restorat:ions.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A combined treatment regimen, including an occlusal splint, was more effective than Occlusal adjustment alone, especially with regard to clinical signs of dysfunction.
Abstract: Thirty patients with craniomandibular disorders and headache were randomly divided into two groups. One received occlusal equilibration (O group) and the other (S group) routine stomatognathic treatment, including an occlusal splint. The outcome of treatment was evaluated by means of a questionnaire, visual analogue scales, and clinical examination. In both groups, the patients reported reduction of symptoms, but the clinical dysfunction score used was significantly diminished only in the S group. A combined treatment regimen, including an occlusal splint, was more effective than occlusal adjustment alone, especially with regard to clinical signs of dysfunction.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This study quantitatively evaluated the sealing properties of regular and reinforced ZOE, gutta-percha (GP), Cavit-G, (Premier Dental Products Co., Norristown, Pa.) and polycarboxylate cement placed in class I cavities prepared in extracted human third molars, by using the fluid filtration method described by Derkson et al.
Abstract: R ecent articles suggest that many of the reported pulpal reactions to restorative materials may have been the result of microleakage of bacterial products around the restorations instead of the direct effect of the materials.‘-’ In such studies negative controls usually included cavities restored with zinc oxide-eugenol (ZOE) because it demonstrated little microleakage.6s7 However, Browne and Tobias,” in a review of the literature, suggested that the modest pulpal response reported beneath ZOE restorations may be the result of the antimicrobial properties of ZOE instead of its superior sealing qualities. Thus the sealing properties of ZOE and other temporary fillings warrant careful evaluation if investigators wish to use appropriate negative controls, namely, materials that seal perfectly. This study quantitatively evaluated the sealing properties of regular and reinforced ZOE, gutta-percha (GP), Cavit-G, (Premier Dental Products Co., Norristown, Pa.) and polycarboxylate cement placed in class I cavities prepared in extracted human third molars, by using the fluid filtration method described by Derkson et al.9 The results demonstrate the importance of the materials and their powder-to-liquid ratios in achieving a good seal between the filling materials and the cavity wall.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This study does not support the opinion that the mere presence of occlusal interferences is of major importance in the etiology of mandibular dysfunction.
Abstract: Contact relations between the teeth in the lower and upper jaws in the retruded position and on the nonfunctional side were investigated in two different age groups with mean ages of 15 and 22 years, respectively. The subjects had n.o complaints of mandibular dysfunction. The relations on the nonfunctional side were registered in four different positions of the mandible. Unilateral tooth contacts in the retruded position were found in 75% of the persons in both age groups. Lateral displacement of the mandible of 0.2 mm or more in sliding from RP to the IP occurred in 34% in the younger group and in 66% of the adults. Contacts on the balancing side at the four different lateral positions were found in 6% to 13% among the teenagers and in 9% to 25% among the adults. Balancing interferences, which appeared in 5% to 10% of the persons in both age groups at 3 mm lateral movement, increased 5% to 11% between each one of the other positions registered. These interferences reached a level of appearing in every three to four persons at maximal lateral movement of the mandible. No less than 88% and 89%, respectively, of the individuals in both age groups had at least one occlusal contact, usually defined as an interference, in one or more of the nine registered positions of the mandible. Because the s.ubjects had well-functioning masticatory systems, this study does not support the opinion that the mere presence of occlusal interferences is of major importance in the etiology of mandibular dysfunction.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The same finishing instruments and techniques revealed no significant differences in the surface roughness of the anterior and posterior composites, but qualitative differences in surface texture were revealed even though the average roughness was not shown to differ.
Abstract: The same finishing instruments and techniques revealed no significant differences in the surface roughness of the anterior and posterior composites. The smoothest surface was achieved with Mylar strips; the smoothest instrumented surface was achieved with a series of abrasive disks, but a fine diamond bur with 25 micron particles produced the roughest surface. However, an x-fine diamond with 15 micron particles produced a surface smoothness superior to that produced with a white stone and similar to the smoothness produced with a carbide bur and rubber point. Diamond finishing with slow speed produced a somewhat smoother finish than with high speed. SEM analysis revealed qualitative differences in surface texture even though the average roughness was not shown to differ.