[Cavity micro-morphology following caries removal].

Abstract

The objective of this research was to observe the effect of different caries removal techniques on human dentin topography. Thirty-six dentin samples of bisected carious human molars were treated with six different caries removal techniques, replicated and then examined by using a scanning electron microscope. The surfaces were observed before and after the smear layer removal at a magnification of 200- and 1000-fold. At a magnification of 200 the sono-abraded samples showed a significantly more undulated dentin topography than samples treated with other techniques. Using Carisolv hand instruments for caries removal resulted both at a magnification of 200 and 1000 in a significantly rougher, flakier and more fissured dentin surface texture compared to other techniques. Microcracks were observed in samples from all excavation methods but most frequently when treated with Carisolv hand instruments. The excavation process results in a dentin topography marked by smooth, flaky and fissured surface textures as well as by microcracks. The relative incidence in which these textures occur may indicate whether the removed dentin was rather cut or fractured.