Evaluation of the Efficacy of Visual, Tactile Method, Caries Detector Dye, and Laser Fluorescence in Removal of Dental Caries and Confirmation by Culture and Polymerase Chain Reaction: An In Vivo Study.

AIM: To determine the degree of association between visual and tactile methods of caries removal compared with caries detector dye and laser fluorescence device (DIAGNOdent), which detects the degree of demineralization; to determine the presence of Streptococcus mutans via culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques; and to find a suitable method for caries removal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 75 patients were divided into three groups: visual and tactile (Group A), visual and tactile with caries detector dye (Group B), and visual and tactile with caries detector dye along with laser florescence readings (Group C). Caries removal was carried out using visual and tactile methods, caries detector dye, and laser fluorescence, and the samples obtained were subjected to culture and PCR. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using Pearson's chi-square test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey's post hoc test. RESULTS: Visual and tactile along with caries detector dye and laser florescence (Group C) is the most efficient method for caries removal. CONCLUSION: Caries detector dye along with visual, tactile examination and laser fluorescence is a valuable and superior tool for clinicians that aids in better caries removal and can prevent the overzealous removal of tooth structure.

Root canal treatment of a maxillary first premolar with three roots.

Successful root canal treatment needs a thorough knowledge of both internal and external anatomy of a tooth. Variations in root canal anatomy constitute an impressive challenge to the successful completion of endodontic treatment. Undetected extra roots and canals are a major reason for failed root canal treatment. Three separate roots in a maxillary first premolar have a very low incidence of 0.5-6%. Three rooted premolars are anatomically similar to molars and are sometimes called "small molars or radiculous molars." This article explains the diagnosis and endodontic management of a three rooted maxillary premolar with separate canals in each root highlighting that statistics may indicate a low incidence of abnormal variations in root canal morphology of a tooth, but aberrant anatomy is a possibility in any tooth. Hence, modern diagnostics like cone beam computed tomography, and endodontic operating microscope may have to be used more for predictable endodontic treatment.