The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of a chemo-mechanical caries removal system,
Carisolv gel, on the surface topography of dental filling materials. Thirty specimens of a
composite resin (Spectrum) and a
compomer (Dyract AP) and 60 specimens of a
glass-ionomer (
Ketac-Fil Plus) were prepared. The surface topography was investigated with an optical interferometer before and after chemical exposure for 5, 10, or 20 min. Each specimen acted as its own control. The topographical part of the
glass-ionomer materials was performed in two series with different drying procedures, since this material exhibits a higher sensitivity to
dehydration than the other materials. The surface topographical investigations were complemented with contact angle measurements. After
Carisolv gel exposure the density of summits and the developed surface area ratio (3D/2D) were slightly smaller for the
composite resin and the
compomer. For the minimally dried
glass-ionomer material, the results indicated a reduction of the height of the surface structures, as well as a surface area enlargement, after
Carisolv gel exposure. No statistically significant changes of contact angles due to
Carisolv gel exposure could be detected for any material investigated. If dental filling materials of
composite resin or
glass-ionomer materials are exposed to
Carisolv gel, no or only minor surface topographical changes can be expected. n