Comparison of Partial and Complete Caries Excavation in Permanent Teeth: An 18 Months Follow-up

Objective: To compare performance and survival of composite restorations in primary teeth using partial caries removal (PCR) versus complete caries removal (CCR). Methodology: In this trial, 70 permanent molars having deep caries lesions were selected and divided equally into CCR and PCR groups. The study duration was Jan-2018 to Jan-2020. In CCR group, complete dentin removal was done and confirmed by applying dentin detector dye for 10 seconds. In PCR group, visual & tactile criteria were followed for dentin removal. After dentin removal all cavities were filled using RMGIC cement resin. Follow-up was done at 06, 12 and 18 months. Results: Mean age in CCR group was 23.4+5.5 years and 25.6+4.9 years in PCR group. Male patients were 19 and 17 in CCR and PCR groups respectively (p= 0.59). Regarding lesion type, 25 patients in CCR were having occlusal and 5 having Occluso-proximal lesion. In PCR group, 27 teeth were diagnosed with occlusal lesion and 3 with occluso-proximal lesion (p=0.44). At 18 months’ follow-up, success rate was 100% in CCR group and 93.3% in PCR group (p=0.49). Pulp exposure occurred in 23.3% procedures in CCR group and none in PCR group. Conclusion: Partial caries removal has nearly similar success rates as that of complete caries removal and is associated with significantly less pulp exposure rate as compared to CCR. Keywords: Deep carious lesions, Partial caries removal, Complete caries removal, Randomized clinical trial

An Evaluation on Deep Caries Removal Method and Management Performed by Undergraduate Dental Students: A Malaysia Experience

Objectives The aim of this study is to investigate the current knowledge and attitude of deep caries removal method among dental students in Malaysia. Materials and Methods A total of 303 students (n = 303) responded to the online questionnaire. The first part of questionnaire was to evaluate the demographic data of the respondents and focused on the technique and management approach used for deep caries lesion. The second part investigated the preferred treatment used for deep caries based on the designated clinical case, while the third part assessed the factors that affected the decision on deep caries management. Statistical Analysis Independent t-test was used to compare difference between the two groups. Results Seventy four percent of the students have the knowledge of the different methods of caries removal, while 25.8% were only familiar with complete caries removal. The preferred method for deep caries removal in permanent teeth was partial caries removal (53%). For primary dentition, 45.6% of the students prefer to perform pulpotomy as compared with other techniques. There was no significant difference in caries removal method for permanent teeth between undergraduate year of study (p > 0.05), which was partial caries removal at 52.7 and 53.5%, respectively. For primary dentition, the preferred caries removal method was pulpotomy for year 4 (39.8%) and year 5 (52%) students. The popular material to restore deep caries was resin composite (42%) followed by glass ionomer cement (23.3%). Conclusions This study showed that partial caries removal was the preferred method despite partial understanding on the identification of the clinical indicators of the technique.

Effect of Different Liners on Pulpal Outcome after Partial Caries Removal: A Preliminary 12 Months Randomised Controlled Trial

Aim: The aim of this double-blinded parallel randomised controlled trial was to compare the effect of different liners on 12-month pulp health outcomes after partial caries removal (PCR) with composite restorations in permanent molars. Methods: The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov with registration No. NCT0328695 and conducted in the Department of Conservative dentistry and Endodontics, Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences Rohtak with no external financial support. One hundred and ninety-eight participants (116 males, 82 females and age 14–54 years) with vital permanent mature mandibular molars having deep caries involving two-thirds or more of dentin were randomised to calcium hydroxide (CH), resin-modified GIC (RMGIC) and no liner (DC) groups after PCR. After a follow-up time of 12 months, success was defined as positive response to pulp sensibility and absence of periapical alterations. Results: Categorical variables were compared using chi-square test. Two analytical approaches were used, such as intention-to-treat and per-protocol approach. Success rates in per-protocol approach were 96.8, 96.5, and 94.6% for CH, RMGIC and DC groups, respectively with no significant difference between 3 groups (p = 0.811). None of the baseline variables had any significant influence on the treatment success. Conclusion: Partial caries excavation has a high success rate to treat deep carious lesions in permanent teeth after 12 months of follow-up, indicating that the retention of carious dentin does not interfere with pulp vitality or restoration survival. Also, the success of the treatment is independent of the lining material used over the demineralized dentin.