AIM: To evaluate and compare the effect of ultrasonic scaling on four different tooth colored class V restorative materials using surface roughness tester before and after ultrasonic scaling.

METHODOLOGY: One hundred and fifty human freshly extracted teeth for orthodontic or periodontal purpose were taken. Thirty were randomly selected and included in control group (Group I).Control group were marked with area of 2x4 mm to simulate outline of class V cavity; no cavity preparation was done on them. On remaining one hundred twenty teeth standardized class V cavities of 4 mm width, 2 mm length, and 1.5 mm depth were prepared on facial surface with carbide bur. These one hundred twenty cavities randomly and equally divided into 4 groups according to type and were restored with Riva self cure (Group II; n=30)); GC Fuji II LC (Group III; n=30)); Tetric N– Ceram Bulk Fill (Group IV; n=30)); GC Fuji II (Group V; n=30)).

 All specimens were then stored in artificial saliva at 37^oC in 100% relative humidity for one week. Specimens in each group were rinsed in running tap water for 30 seconds and further cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner for 6 minutes. Then they were air dried, and initial surface roughness was evaluated in terms of Ra value (μm) using Surface Roughness Tester.  Later, ultrasonic scaling was performed on all specimens with ultrasonic scaler having under copious water flow for 60 seconds. The specimens were then rinsed in running tap water for 30 seconds and cleaned in an ultrasonic bath for 6 minutes. All specimens were then air dried, and post–ultrasonic instrumentation roughness was evaluated as mentioned previously. After completion of the procedure, all the data was collected and subjected to statistical analysis and results was evaluated.

RESULTS: On statistical evaluation mean pre–instrumentation surface roughness was highest with Riva Self Cure whereas it was least in case of Tetric N Ceram–Bulk Fill. Mean post–instrumentation surface roughness was highest with Riva Self Cure whereas it was least in case of Tetric N Ceram Bulk Fill.

CONCLUSION: Riva Self Cure showed highest surface roughness compared to Tetric N Ceram–Bulk Fill which showed surface roughness and least susceptibility to ultrasonic scaling. However more in–vitro studies need to be conducted to correlate with the results of this study.