Application of DIAGNOdent® as a guide for removing carious dentin with Er:YAG laser

SummaryObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the DIAGNOdent® values applicable as a guide for removal of outer layer of carious dentin with Er:YAG laser.MethodsCarious dentin of human extracted molars was removed by bur with Caries Detector® (Group 1: red stained dentin was left, Group 2: light pink stained dentin was left) and by Er:YAG laser with DIAGNOdent® value as a guide (30>Group 3>21, 20>Group 4>11, 10>Group 5). The cavity floor dentin after removing carious dentin was examined using microradiograms, EPMA and SEM.ResultsThe cavity floor dentin of group 1,3 showed the decreases in the degree of X-ray absorption. In group 2,4 and 5, decrease of Ca, P were not observed. The decrease of Mg was observed on the more superficial part of the cavity floor for group 3 than for group 4.ConclusionsWhen carious dentin was removed using Er:YAG laser, the carious dentin outer layer was ideally removed with DIAGNOdent® values: 11–20. DIAGNOdent® values: 11–20, could indicate the completion of outer layer removal of carious dentin with Er:YAG laser, but there are some problems that must be addressed before the clinical application.