Microstructural Evaluation of Dentin Surface after Chemomechanical Treatment

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of the new formulation of Carisolv ™ (Medi-Team) on sound and caries affected dentin surfaces, through the analysis of: a) smear-layer thickness b) tubules exposure. Methods: Samples obtained from 14 human permanent molars were stored in a 0, 5% chloramin aqueous solution at 4ºC during a maximum period of 1 month. First evaluation: A total of 3 carious dentin samples (CD) and 3 sound dentin (SD) samples treated with Carisolv™ (C) were divided in 2 groups (n=3): Group 1: SD+C; Group 2: CD+C (n=3). Second evaluation: Two conditioners, ScotchBond Etchant® (SBE, 3M ESPE) and Clearfil SE® Primer (CSEP, Kuraray) were used after Carisolv™ treatment. A total of 8 dentin samples were divided in 4 groups (n=2): Group 1': SD+C+SBE (n=2);Group 2': SD+C+CSE (n=2); Group 3': CD+C+SBE (n=2); Group 4':CD+C+CSE (n=2). The smear-layer width and the tubules exposure were evaluated under SEM. Data were statistically analyzed. Results: The mean smear-layer width (µm) of the different groups was: Group 1: 0,963±0,198; Group 2: 5,668±2,108; Group 1': 1,170±0,141; Group 2': 0,595±0,120; Group 3': 2,080±1,047; Group 4': 0,960±0,509. Non-conditioned sound dentin presented a significantly thinner smear-layer and more tubules exposed after conditioning. Surfaces conditioned with the self-etching primer exposed more tubules comparatively to surfaces etched and rinsed. Conclusions: The chemomechanical treatment of dentin surfaces with the new formulation of Carisolv ™ (Medi-Team) induced microstructural differences between sound and affected dentin.