MICROBIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AFTER CHEMO-MECHANICAL CARIES REMOVAL USING PAPAIN-BASED ENZYME VERSUS CONVENTIONAL ROTARY TOOLS IN OCCLUSAL CARIOUS LESIONS: RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of caries excavation using the papain- based chemo-mechanical method (Brix 3000) in the reduction of Streptococcus Mutans count in occlusal carious cavities Materials and Methods: Twenty-three patients having decayed molars were selected randomly and divided into two groups: Group A before being treated by Brix 3000, Group B after being treated by Brix 3000. Two dentin samples were collected before and after caries removal and were immediately transferred to sterile disposable test tube containing 1.5 ml thioglycollate medium. Statistical analysis was done using Wilcoxon signed rank test for paired (matched) samples.

Results: The results revealed a statistically significant difference in the mean values between dentin samples at the baseline 230.2 ± 76.1and after the application of the brix 104.1 ± 43.0 in CFU/ ml where (p<0.001).