[Possibilities and limitations of Caridex System as an alternative to conventional caries removal]

Exclusive use of chemo-mechanical Caridex-Caries removal system allows only in a few cases sufficient removal of caries. In histological investigation 108 of 120 cavities (90%) treated with the Caridex-system showed residual caries. In 92 cavities (77%) remaining bacteria could be observed. Whereas if combination of Caridex and spoon excavator was used in 25% respectively 23% a better caries removal as in case of using a spoon-excavator alone respectively a round bur was obtained. Scanning microscope examination of cavity wall after treatment with Caridex showed an increased roughness of the dentin surface. Therefore a superior shear bond strength of bonding and composite materials can be expected.