A microbiological assessment of polymer and conventional carbide burs in caries removal.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare the caries removal efficiency of polymer burs (Smartburs) and conventional carbide burs microbiologically.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients participated, each presenting 2 active carious lesions on the occlusal surfaces of primary molars. Sample-taking and caries-removal were done in the following order: (1) first sample (from the carious dentin); (2) caries removal (with a Smartbur or carbide bur); and (3) second sample (from the caries-free dentin), respectively. The samples were processed in a laboratory and spread on various media. The colonies on the agar plates were counted, and then numbers of CFU/ml were calculated.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between the numbers of CFU/ml in the carious dentin before preparation, comparing the Smartbur group and carbide bur group for all the media used (P>.05). There were statistically significant differences in the numbers of CFU/ml before and after preparation comparing both types of burs for all the media used (P<.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the reductions of the numbers of CFU/ml, comparing the 2 preparation instruments (P>.05).

CONCLUSION

The polymer burs were found as effective as the conventional carbide burs microbiologically in caries removal.