Obtaining artificially caries-affected dentin for in vitro studies.

Aim: This study evaluated and improved a protocol for obtaining standard caries-affected dentin (CAD) by Streptococcus mutans biofilm demineralization process.

Materials And Methods: Forty-eight human molars were divided in six experimental groups, according to: period of cariogenic challenge (7, 14 or 21 days) and type of dentin (erupted or unerupted teeth). After complete cariogenic challenge sound and CAD dentin were evaluated by: visual inspection (VI), digital radiography (DR), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and laser fluorescence (LF).