Enamel wear and surface roughness characterization using 3D profilometry

The aim of this work is to propose a characterization method of dental enamel topography through quantitative analysis by 3D profilometry, to allow relating changes in enamel texture with active wear mechanisms. Four extracted teeth, including an intact third molar tooth, were evaluated. The bearing area ratio curve was obtained and the functional and spatial parameters Spk, Sk, Svk and Str were extracted. Abrasive wear mechanism tended to increase the amplitude of irregularities until a certain point, when the material removal was capable of reaching the central zone of enamel, where the hydroxyapatite prisms are randomly oriented. The action of chemical agents was also observed, even when the abrasive wear was predominant. A relationship may exist between the variation of the irregularities’ directional pattern and the wear mode. The study presents micrographs of the analyzed surfaces to support the discussion.