Comparative evaluation of effects of chemo-mechanical and conventional caries removal on dentinal morphology and its bonding characteristics — An SEM study

Abstract

To compare the efficacy of three caries removal techniques namely: Papacarie(®), calcium hydroxide and rotary instruments by SEM analyses of the micro-morphology of residual dentine and resin tags at resin-dentine interface. 45 extracted human permanent molar teeth, with occlusal caries extending up to dentine, were divided into two groups (Group 1 and 2) and each group was subdivided into three subgroups: subgroup A included teeth treated with conventional rotary method, subgroup B and C included those treated with calcium hydroxide and Papacarie(®) respectively. Group 1 samples were prepared for viewing the micro-morphology of residual dentine (2000x and 5000x) and Group 2 samples were filled with composite resin and analysed for resin tag formation (1000x) under SEM. Papacarie(®) showed minimal smear layer and open dentinal tubules. Calcium hydroxide and rotary instruments showed a typical smear layer and occluded dentinal tubules. Resin tags obtained with Papacarie(®) were the longest and significantly superior to those obtained with rotary and calcium hydroxide. Papacarie(®) exhibited better bonding characteristics of residual dentine than calcium hydroxide and rotary method of caries removal. Thus, Papacarie(®) is a suitable alternative to conventional method of caries removal, especially in paediatric patients.