A Microbiological Assessment of Polymer and Conventional Carbide Burs in Caries Removal

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the caries removal efficiency of polymer burs (Smartburs) and conventional carbide burs microbiologically. Methods: Twenty-four patients participated, each presenting 2 active carious lesions on the occlusal surfaces of primary molars. Sample-taking and caries-removal were done in the following order: (1) first sample (from the carious dentin); (2) caries removal (with a Smartbur or carbide bur); and (3) second sample (from the caries-free dentin), respectively. The samples were processed in a laboratory and spread on various media. The colonies on the agar plates were counted, and then numbers of CFU/ml were calculated. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the numbers of CFU/ml in the carious dentin before preparation, comparing the Smartbur group and carbide bur group for all the media used (P>.05). There were statistically significant differences in the numbers of CFU/ml before and after preparation comparing both types of burs for all the media used (P<.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the reductions of the numbers of CFU/ml, comparing the 2 preparation instruments (P>.05). Conclusion: The polymer burs were found as effective as the conventional carbide burs microbiologically in caries removal.