title: Physical effects of non-cavitated explorer probing on enamel smooth-surface carious lesions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the physical effects of explorer probing on non-cavitated smooth-surface enamel carious lesions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Extracted teeth with white enamel decalcification (ICDAS 2) were used. Indentations were made in decalcified and non-decalcified regions with a #23 explorer using "scratch" or "poke" application and 100g, 300g or 600g force. Specimens were imaged with SEM and polarizing light microscopy. Indentation widths were measured digitally. Two-way ANOVA with pair-wise comparisons was used to assess interactions of force and enamel condition (normal or carious) on indentation groove width.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No or minimal effect was seen on normal enamel surface morphology. For the decalcified regions, defects were seen in SEM and polarizing light images. Findings included a smear layer, open clefts, lateral debris and micro-fractures. Two-way ANOVA for effects of force and enamel quality on mean groove width showed statistically significant differences for both variables for all teeth tested.
authors.forename: Daniel W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Boston
authors.forename: Steven R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Jefferies
mesh_terms: D003731:Dental Caries / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003743:Dental Enamel; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010808:Physical Examination