Impact of Simulated Gastric Acid Exposure on the Surface Roughness of Various Dental Restorative Materials

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of simulated gastric acid exposure on the surface roughness of anterior composite resin, lithium disilicate-reinforced glass ceramic, and feldspathic ceramic materials after polishing. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight specimens were prepared and divided into three groups: anterior composite (G-aenial anterior), lithium disilicate-reinforced glass ceramic (GC Initial LiSi), and feldspathic ceramic (Cerec Block). The specimens were immersed in a simulated gastric acid solution (0.06 mol HCl, pH 1.2) at 37°C for 96 hours. Surface roughness (Ra) was measured using a profilometer before and after acid exposure. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and paired t-tests (p<0.05). Results: Before acid exposure, there was no significant difference in surface roughness among the materials (p>0.05). After acid exposure, feldspathic ceramics exhibited the highest increase in surface roughness (p<0.05), followed by composite resin. Lithium disilicate-reinforced ceramics showed no statistically significant change (p>0.05). Conclusions: Feldspathic ceramics were the most affected by gastric acid exposure, while lithium disilicate-reinforced ceramics demonstrated the highest resistance. These findings emphasize the importance of material selection for patients at risk of gastric acid exposure. Future studies should consider intraoral factors such as salivary buffering and mechanical wear.