Effect of a chemo-mechanical caries removal system (Carisolv (TM)) on dentin topography of non-carious dentin

The purpose of the present study was to examine the morphology of healthy d entin surfaces after treatment with Carisolv(TM) followed by conditioning w ith phosphoric acid and EDTA, since surface morphology may be of interest f or dentin bonding. Another purpose was to evaluate the effect of treatment with Carisolv(TM) on healthy non-carious dentin surfaces with exposed colla gen fibers. Scanning electron microscopy was utilized to carry out a detail ed morphological examination of the dentin surfaces with regard to presence or absence of both smear layer and collagen fibers. Twelve premolars extra cted for orthodontic reasons from young adults were used. The two etchants appeared to have produced two distinctly different surfaces. Etching with p hosphoric acid following Carisolv(TM) treatment resulted in a porous dentin surface, while EDTA etching without prior Carisolv(TM) treatment appeared to have uncovered an intact collagen network. In contrast, the surfaces tre ated with Carisolv prior to EDTA etching displayed smooth intertubular surf aces with only occasional fibers. Apparently, the ability of EDTA to expose collagen in the dentin surface is counteracted or inhibited by the Carisol v(TM) treatment. Furthermore, it cannot be excluded that the Carisolv(TM) t reatment in itself may have dissolved collagen fibers. Since most bonding s ystems claim bonding to the collagenous component of dentin, the question a rises which of the etched surfaces is preferable and to what degree the col lagenous component contributes to bonding strength. Further studies are thu s needed to evaluate the micromechanical retention of a restoration to the different surfaces described in the present study.