Surface roughness of flowable bulk fill composite resin by different polishing protocols

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the surface characteristics of full body bulk fill flowable composite resins when polished using the same protocols applied to conventional flowable composite resins.Materials and Methods: One conventional composite resin (Filtek Supreme Flowable) and three full body bulk fill flowable composite resins (Metafil Bulk Fill, Charisma Bulk Flow ONE, G-aenial BULK Injectable) were tested.Specimens were polished using three methods: Soflex Extra-thin, One Gloss midi, and One Gloss midi combined with Jiffy brush.Surface roughness (Sa) was measured using a confocal laser scanning microscope, and surface morphology was examined under a scanning electron microscope.Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA and Scheff's test.Results: No interaction was found between the composite resin type and polishing method.Metafil Bulk Fill showed the highest surface roughness, while specimens polished with Soflex Extra-thin showed the smoothest surfaces (P < 0.05). Conclusion:The surface roughness of full body bulk fill composite resins varies depending on the resin type and polishing method.Therefore, understanding each product's characteristics and selecting an appropriate polishing technique is essential for achieving a clinically acceptable surface finish and long-term success of the restoration.(