Plasma-treated water eliminates Streptococcus mutans in infected dentin model.

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Biotechnology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Non-mechanical methods for removing caries-infected dentin are needed.
• Previous research showed low-temperature plasma irradiation effectively sterilizes dentin but requires 180s.
• The efficacy of plasma-treated water (PTW) as an alternative sterilization method was investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the bactericidal activity of plasma-treated water (PTW) against Streptococcus mutans in an infected dentin model.
• To compare the efficacy of PTW with direct plasma irradiation for caries removal.
• To assess the biocompatibility of PTW for potential use in non-mechanical dental procedures.

Main Methods:

• An infected dentin model with Streptococcus mutans was prepared.
• The model was treated with plasma-treated water (PTW) for 10 seconds.
• Bacterial counts were determined using CFU/round bur analysis before and after PTW application.

Main Results:

• Initial viable Streptococcus mutans counts ranged from 10^4-10^6 CFU/round bur.
• After 10 seconds of PTW application, bacterial counts significantly decreased to below the detection limit or 3.0±5.0 CFU/round bur.
• PTW's bactericidal activity rapidly deactivates at body temperature (37°C).

Conclusions:

• Plasma-treated water (PTW) demonstrates potent and rapid bactericidal activity against Streptococcus mutans in dentin.
• PTW offers a potentially faster and more biocompatible alternative to direct plasma irradiation for non-mechanical caries removal.
• PTW holds significant potential for developing advanced, non-mechanical dental procedures for treating caries-infected dentin.