IN-VIVO DIAGNOSTIC-ASSESSMENT OF DENTINAL CARIES UTILIZING ACID RED AND POVIDONE-IODINE DYES

In order to compare the clinical utilization of diagnostic dyes to ide ntify carious dentin, the present in vivo study compared two caries-de tector dyes, acid red (1% acid red in propylene glycol wt/wt) and povi done-iodine (8% povidone-iodine in water wt/vol). A total of 221 cavit ies prepared by 19 senior dental students under the supervision of two teachers at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico Dental School were used. Dyes were applied double-blind under standardized conditio ns to at least two teeth of the same patient. Data were analyzed using the Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test and a test of proportions, Result s showed that molars or premolars did not appear to be positively stai ned more frequently by one dye or another, Also, 36.7% of teeth tested positive to either one of the two dyes. Prudent utilization of either acid red or povidone-iodine appeared to be equally useful in assistin g clinical decisions concerning cavity size while restoring dentinal l esions. However, povidone-iodine may be preferred in settings where ac id red is expensive difficult to obtain. Further research is necessary to establish accurately the mechanism of staining by povidone-iodine.