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

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.