Dentin Topographic Features following Chemomechanical Caries Removal in Primary Teeth.
OBJECTIVE
Study the topographic features of dentin after caries removal with a chemomechanical agent (Papacarie) compared with the conventional drilling method.


METHODS
The sample included 7 exfoliated and extracted primary teeth with carious dentin lesions, not reaching the pulp. Each tooth was sectioned longitudinally through the center of the carious lesions into two halves. The teeth were then divided into two groups according to the method of caries removal. Following caries removal, dentin topography and the cut section were examined using the scanning electron microscope.


RESULTS
Papacarie produced an irregular, porous, rough and globular dentin appearance. The dentin surfaces were generally free of smear layer, visible bacteria and the dentinal tubules were opened. The dentin cut surfaces showed patent dentinal tubules with open orifices. The drilling method created a smooth and amorphous surface with a continuous smear layer occluding the dentinal tubules. Numerous bacteria were also observed. The cut dentin surfaces showed patent dentinal tubules with their orifices plugged with smear layer.


CONCLUSIONS
Papacarie produced a rough and porous surface with partial or complete removal of the smear layer and opened dentinal tubules, while the drill produced a smooth surface with uniform smear layer occluding the dentinal tubules.
R M
RM
Kotb
M A
MA
Elkateb
A M
AM
Ahmed
K Y
KY
Kawana
O A
OA
El Meligy
D001419:Bacteria / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003094:Collagen / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D003737:Dental Cavity Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D003754:Dental High-Speed Equipment; D003804:Dentin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000382:microbiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010206:Papain / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016062:Porosity; D016369:Smear Layer / Q000473:pathology; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous / Q000187:drug effects / Q000382:microbiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*
C509557:Papacarie; D003094:Collagen; D010206:Papain
Chemomechanical caries removal; Papacarie; dentin caries; primary teeth