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Physical effects of non-cavitated explorer probing on enamel smooth-surface carious lesions
Purpose:
To assess the physical effects of explorer probing on non-cavitated smooth-surface enamel carious lesions.
Methods:
Extracted teeth with white enamel decalcification (ICDAS 2) were used. Indentations were made in decalcified and non-decalcified regions with a #23 explorer using "scratch" or "poke" application and 100g, 300g or 600g force. Specimens were imaged with SEM and polarizing light microscopy. Indentation widths were measured digitally. Two-way ANOVA with pair-wise comparisons was used to assess interactions of force and enamel condition (normal or carious) on indentation groove width.
Results:
No or minimal effect was seen on normal enamel surface morphology. For the decalcified regions, defects were seen in SEM and polarizing light images. Findings included a smear layer, open clefts, lateral debris and micro-fractures. Two-way ANOVA for effects of force and enamel quality on mean groove width showed statistically significant differences for both variables for all teeth tested.
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