Evaluation of residual dentin after conventional and chemomechanical caries removal using SEM

The purpose of this in vitro study was to analyze the residual dentinal surfaces following caries removal using rotatory instruments and two chemomechanical methods (Papacárie and Carisolv), by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thirty primary incisors were divided into three groups, according to the caries removal method used, and their residual dentin was examined under SEM (15). After caries removal, 15 of these teeth were restored with Single Bond (3M) adhesive system and Z100 Filtek composite resin (3M). The tags of the replicas were observed under SEM. The chemomechanical caries removal methods (Papacárie and Carisolv) formed an amorphous layer, similar to the smear layer and few exposed dentinal tubules; the conventional caries removal method produced a smooth and regular dentinal surface, with typical smear layer and exposed dentinal tubules. All groups showed abundant tag formation. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed a difference between dentin treated with rotatory instruments and that treated with chemomechanical methods in spite of the occurrence of a similar tag formation in both groups.