Comparative evaluation of BRIX3000, CARIE CARE, and SMART BURS in caries excavation: An in vivo study

Background: Chemomechanical caries removal has been a new leaf for caries excavation in this ultraconservative era of dentistry. BRIX3000 & Carie Care are papain based gel formulations while Smart Burs are polymer burs with self limiting ability. Aim: To compare & evaluate the caries excavation efficacy of BRIX3000, Carie Care & Smart burs. Materials & Methods: 45 patients with wide class 1 carious lesions were selected and equally divided into 3 groups: BRIX 3000, Carie Care & Smart Burs. Caries excavation was performed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions in each group & evaluation for reduction in bacterial count & mean working time was done. Statistical Analysis: Data was analysed by One way ANOVA, Paired t-Test & Tukey's Post Hoc test. Results: The highest reduction in bacterial count was achieved by BRIX3000(156.93 × 104) followed by Smart Burs(139.07× 104)& Carie Care(135.80×104) with p>0.5. Mean working time in minutes for excavation was : BRIX3000(13.66), Carie Care(18.30) &Smart Burs(20.60) with p< 0.5. Conclusion: All the techniques reduced bacterial count potentially. BRIX 3000 proves the most effective among three.