Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of chemo-mechanical method for caries removal based on histological analysis and scanning electron microscopy of dentine samples.
Methods: Forty-five freshly extracted human deciduous and permanent teeth with dentinal caries were used in this in vitro study. The teeth were allocated to two different technique groups. Chemo- mechanical caries removal using Carisolv was performed in 30 teeth and in 15 teeth caries was removed using conventional rotary instruments. The caries status of dentine was judged according to clinical criteria (probing and visual inspection). After caries removal had been completed, teeth were sectioned through the prepared cavities and the two halves of each tooth were processed for light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Light microscope was used to examine the specimens for the presence of bacteria in dentine tubules. Scanning electron microscope was used to determine surface characteristics of the cavity floor after caries removal.
Results: All examined dentine surfaces were clinically caries free. Regarding the presence of bacteria, 53% of chemo- mechanically prepared teeth and 87% of conventionally prepared teeth were bacteria-free (p>0.05). Efficacy of both methods was confirmed using scanning electron microscope, but different dentine topography was recorded after chemo-mechanical and conventional caries removal.
Conclusion: Based on histological and scanning electron microscope analyses it could be concluded that this chemo-mechanical method is efficient in the removal of carious dentine.