Comparative study of carious dentin removal by Er,Cr:YSGG laser and Carisolv.
OBJECTIVE
The present study aimed to compare carious dentin removal by air turbine, Carisolv and erbium,chromium:yttrium,scandium,gallium,garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser, and examine morphological changes before and after these caries removal techniques under light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).


BACKGROUND
Although there have been numerous studies on removing caries by Er,Cr:YSGG laser, none has compared Er,Cr:YSGG laser and Carisolv, or reported on the usage of DIAGNOdent as a diagnostic tool particularly for advanced caries in in vitro experiments.


METHODS
Sixty extracted human teeth diagnosed as advanced caries were divided into three groups based on the treatment received, namely air turbine, Carisolv, and Er,Cr:YSGG laser groups. Each group was sub-divided into two in order to examine the results with or without finishing using nylon brush, 15% ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) or low-power laser, respectively. After evaluation by DIAGNOdent, specimens were observed under light microscopy or SEM.


RESULTS
Light microscopic observations varied considerably in the three treatment groups. SEM revealed that the surfaces treated by air turbine were very smooth, but with substantial debris. The Carisolv group exhibited a very rough surface with a thick smear layer, while the Er,Cr:YSGG group demonstrated smooth undulations with little smear layer and debris. Among the finishing techniques, the laser group demonstrated the best efficiency. DIAGNOdent scores supported the results of light microscopy.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that caries removal by Er,Cr:YSGG laser is very effective even without finishing and DIAGNOdent is useful for diagnosing advanced caries in in vitro experiments.
Kinoshita
Jun-Ichiro
J
Department of Endodontics, Showa University School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan. juun1b3@aol.com
Kimura
Yuichi
Y
Matsumoto
Koukichi
K
D003731:Dental Caries / Q000628:therapy*; D003737:Dental Cavity Preparation / Q000379:methods*; D003755:Dental High-Speed Technique; D003804:Dentin / Q000473:pathology*; D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D007930:Leucine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008239:Lysine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008853:Microscopy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
C119934:Carisolv; D018698:Glutamic Acid; D007930:Leucine; D008239:Lysine