Abstract
Introduction: The treatment of dental caries has shifted dramatically. Diode laser has revealed favorable outcomes in cavity disinfection. Therefore, the current study might be of value. Aim: This study was conducted to assess the antibacterial effect of Diode laser in comparison to chemical disinfection with partial caries removal. Methods: After the approval of Research Ethical Committee (REC) of the Faculty of Dentistry Suez Canal University, this study was carried out on 30 patients selected from the operative department clinics in Faculty of Dentistry, Suez Canal University, randomly divided into 3 equal groups; group A1 (application of Diode laser with 0.5 watt), group A2 (application of Diode laser with 0.1 watt) and group A3 (using 2% Chlorhexidine as Chemical disinfectant). Cavity preparation was first performed and before the final restoration, dentin specimens were taken from the cavity before and after application of disinfectant, then cultured on three types of selective media; Blood agar for total viable count, Mitis salivurias agar for Streptococcus mutans, and Rogosa agar for Lactobacilli. Microbiological data were analyzed to assess the antibacterial effect of diode laser and chemical disinfection. Results: results of Bacterial count reduction were significantly increased in all groups after application of intervention. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the current study, the following can be concluded that Diode laser can show promising results in terms of cavity disinfection and management of deep caries lesions. Chlorhexidine is as effective as diode laser in cavity disinfection.
Keywords: Cavity disinfection, Chlorhexidine, Diode laser, Selective caries removal.