Cleaning Efficacy of Air Polishing on Tobacco‐Stained Resin Composite: An In‐Vitro Study

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of air‐polishing on color change and surface roughness of resin composite and enamel specimens after standardized cigarette smoke exposure. Methods Sixty composite/enamel specimens were exposed daily to cigarette smoke in an automated chamber over four 14‐day cycles (five cigarettes/day). After each cycle, specimens were cleaned using air‐polishing with erythritol or sodium bicarbonate powder, or a rubber cup and pumice (control). Color changes (Δ E ) were assessed spectrophotometrically, and surface roughness was measured profilometrically before and after each cycle. Results All cleaning methods significantly reduced tobacco staining on composite and enamel; however, none restored the original color. After four cycles, median [IQR] Δ E values for resin composites did not differ significantly among groups (erythritol: 26.17 [21.62–27.52]; sodium bicarbonate: 10.28 [7.44–27.77]; control: 24.56 [19.22–26.77]; p > 0.05). Surface roughness increased significantly in all groups, with the greatest increase following sodium bicarbonate air‐polishing ( p < 0.05). Luting gap roughness increased significantly with sodium bicarbonate in comparison with erythritol and the control group ( p < 0.001). Repeated air‐polishing did not promote further tobacco stain accumulation. Conclusions Erythritol air‐polishing effectively reduced discoloration with minimal surface alteration, whereas sodium bicarbonate caused significant roughening. Clinical Significance Cigarette smoke causes clinically perceptible composite discoloration that cannot be completely eliminated. Erythritol represents a safer polishing option than sodium bicarbonate.