Antimicrobial Efficacy of Chemomechanical Carie Removal Agents—A Systematic Integrative Review

Abstract

Background: Dental caries is the most common oral disease in the world. When treatable, the drilling method continues to be used. This technique has its disadvantages because it is invasive and nonspecific. Chemomechanical carious tissue removal agents (CCRAs) such as Carisolv™ or Papacarie® are non-invasive products that allow for the specific elimination of infected dentin. On the other hand, cariogenic bacteria are largely responsible for the initiation and development of lesions. Objectives: The aim is to analyze whether CCRAs have a relevant antimicrobial effect on cariogenic bacteria. Methods: A bibliographic search strategy was carried out in online databases using PRISMA 2020. The evaluation of the antibacterial efficacy of CCRAs was carried out through the analysis of the reduction in CFUs of cariogenic bacteria, and the presence of bacterial deposits, TVC, SVC and LVC by comparison with conventional drilling methods. Results: The results showed that the percentage of reduction in TVC, SVC and LVC for each agent is mostly high, but not significantly different from mechanical methods. The best results were found with CCRAs when compared to polymeric drills. The results also showed that there is a lack of methodological standardization. Conclusions: CCRAs have been shown to have a relevant antimicrobial effect on cariogenic bacteria; however, more studies need to be carried out using standardized methodologies.