Abstract
PURPOSE: This study aims to compare the efficiency of caries removal between the chemomechanical caries removal agent Brix 3000 and the conventional method using a laser fluorescent device (DIAGNOdent Pen), caries detection dye, microbial culture, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 64 primary molars with dentinal caries between March and June 2022. Standardization was achieved based on International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS-II) criteria (score 6) and DIAGNOdent Pen measurements (30 and above). Caries were removed using the conventional method (32) and Brix 3000 (32). Following this, dentin samples were collected, and measurements were made with the DIAGNOdent Pen to evaluate the presence of residual caries in both groups. After the measurements, the presence of residual caries was evaluated in both groups using caries detection dye. The decrease in values obtained by microbial culture and real-time PCR methods of dentin samples taken before and after caries removal was evaluated. RESULTS: When DIAGNOdent Pen and caries detection dye were evaluated, the caries removal efficiency of the conventional method was found to be higher (p < 0.05). As a result of the microbial culture evaluation for Streptococcus mutans and total bacteria, the caries removal efficiencies of both methods were found to be similar (p > 0.05). The caries removal efficiency of Brix 3000 was found to be higher as a result of the evaluation with real-time PCR for S. mutans (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It is thought that Brix 3000 is an effective agent for caries removal and may be an alternative agent to the conventional method, especially considering its advantages in children. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Aydogdu AB, Olmez A, Akca G. Chemomechanical Caries Removal with Enzymatic Technology: A Comparative In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(3):245-250.