Effect of Eggshell Powder and Nano-Hydroxyapatite on the Surface Roughness and Microhardness of Bleached Enamel

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the remineralizing potential of prepared solutions of eggshell powder (ESP) and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) on the surface roughness and microhardness of bleached enamel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty bovine anterior teeth were selected and cleaned then bleached using a chemically activated in-office bleaching agent then the teeth were randomly allocated into five groups (n = 10) according to the tested remineralizing agents (10% ESP solution, 10% nHA solution, and MI Paste Plus) into; control, bleached, bleached + ESP solution, bleached + nHA solution, and bleached + MI Paste Plus groups. Then, the teeth were tested for surface roughness and microhardness of the bleached enamel, respectively. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the surface roughness and microhardness values of the tested groups. The highest surface roughness mean value was found in bleached enamel group, while the least mean value was found in the control group. The highest mean microhardness value was found in the bleached enamel + ESP solution group, while the least mean value was found in the bleached enamel group. CONCLUSIONS: The application of the tested remineralizing agents following the bleaching procedure had improved the surface roughness and microhardness of the bleached enamel. ESP and nHA present promising and potent remineralizing agents.