Comparative Evaluation of Clinical and Microbiological Assessment of Caries Excavation Using Conventional, Smart Bur, Chemomechanical Method and ErCr: YSGG Laser.

OBJECTIVES

Caries removal efficacy in terms of microbiological burden using Tungsten Carbide Bur No. 330, Polymer bur, BRIX 3000, and ErCr: YSGG Laser.

METHODS

Class I open dentinal caries was selected and divided into four groups (n = 15) depending on caries excavation methods. Group I: Tungsten carbide (TC) No 330-bur; Group II: Polymer bur (Smart bur); Group III: Brix 3000 gel; Group IV: Erbium, chromium-doped yttrium, scandium, gallium, and garnet (Er: Cr: YSGG) laser. Two samples of carious material, before and after caries excavation, were taken and cultured on blood agar plates. Multiple comparison of mean CFUs/ml between different groups was done using Dunn's post hoc test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

RESULTS

Group I showed significantly lesser mean CFUs/ml followed by Group IV as compared to Group II and Group III.

CONCLUSION

Within the parameters and limitations of the present study, ErCr: YSGG laser can be a helpful aid as a minimally invasive method of caries excavation.