Effectiveness of 2 chemomechanical caries removal methods on residual bacteria in dentin of primary teeth.

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 2 chemomechanical caries removal methods-Carisolv and Papacarie-on the residual cariogenic bacteria in the dentin of primary teeth vs traditional hand excavation. METHODS: Forty-five primary teeth were divided into 3 groups, according to the caries removal method used. Carious dentin samples were taken, then all softened dentin was removed, and a second sample was taken when the cavities were clinically caries-free, All teeth were filled with composite resins. All dentin samples were serially diluted and cultured anaerobically on different agar plates: blood agar, Mitis salivarius agar, and Rogosa agar plates. Colony forming units were determined for total bacterial, mutans streptococci, and lactobacilli counts. RESULTS: The 3 caries removal methods significantly reduced the residual cariogenic bacteria for the total bacterial, mutans streptococci, and lactobacilli counts. There was a statistically significant difference between Papacarie and both Carisolv and hand excavation methods, with Papacarie being more effective in caries removal and causing more reduction in bacterial count. CONCLUSION: Papacarie is significantly more efficient in reducing the residual cariogenic bacteria in the dentin of primary teeth vs both Carisolv and the hand excavation method.