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AAPD Journal Article Abstract

Author:	Ângela Cristina Cilense Zuanon, Lourdes Santos-Pinto, Elcilaine Rizzato Azevedo, Luciana Monti Lima
Title:	Primary Tooth Enamel Loss After Manual and Mechanical Microabrasion
Abstract:	Purpose: This study’s purpose was to assess the amount of dental enamel loss on primary incisors after manual or mechanical microabrasion with a phosphoric acid/pumice paste. Methods: Ten exfoliated primary maxillary incisors were bisected faciolingually and the resulting 20 halves were randomly assigned to 2 groups: group 1 (N=10)—manual technique (plastic spatula); and group 2 (N=10)—mechanical technique (rubber cup attached to a low-speed handpiece). Microabrasion was performed on the buccal surface using an abrasive paste prepared with 37% phosphoric acid and pumice. Ten 20-second applications alternated with 20-second risings were performed in each group. Enamel thickness measurements made under stereomi-croscopy before and after microabrasion were analyzed statistically by analysis of variance and pairwise t test. Results: There was a statistically significant difference (P=.003) between the manual and mechanical techniques. The mechanical technique produced a mean enamel loss of 274.16 ėm (66% of total enamel thickness), while the mean enamel loss with the manual technique was 152.59 ėm (39% of total enamel thickness). Conclusion: Manual microabrasion using a plastic spatula removed less enamel, but was sufficient to eliminate most superficial stains and defects, and may be a viable option for the microabrasive technique on primary teeth. (Pediatr. Dent. 2008;30:420-3)