ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of chlorhexidine-containing varnishes and dentin sealants on the progress of demineralization, cariogenic bacteria and clinical appearance of root caries lesions. METHODS: 68 lesions in 22 adult patients, with a mean age of 51.3 +/- 13.8 years were enrolled in this study. After the removal of soft, infected dentin, all lesions were randomly sealed with (1.) Cervitec, used as control (CE), (2.) EC 40 (EC), (3.) Prime and Bond NT (PB) or (4.) Seal & Protect (SP). Clinical appearance, laser fluorescence diagnosis (DIAGNOdent) and bacteriological status were recorded at intervals of 1 and 3 months. RESULTS: Regarding alteration of surface texture and color of the lesions, differences between the groups were not detected. Application of EC resulted in suppressed MS counts after 3 months (P < 0.05). Initial lower MS counts were observed in the CE group (P = 0.053). Laser fluorescence values increased in the chlorhexidine groups (CE = 27.9 +/- 17.5, EC = 28.3 +/- 26.0) but remained stable in the sealant groups (PB = 15.1 +/- 22.0, SP = 10.2 +/- 7.3), (P < 0.05).
