Minimal Invasive Potential of Three Caries Excavation Methods in Children

Abstract

Background: Recently, the concept of minimally invasive (MI) dentistry has emerged. MI calls for the selective removal of heavily infected and irreversibly denatured dentin caused by carious lesions while preserving dentin that is demineralized but not infected. Aim: To compare the minimal invasive potential (MIP) of conventional caries excavation (CCE), caries detection dye (CDD), and fluorescence aided caries excavation (FACE) methods in children. Subjects and Methods: A total of 105 carious primary molars in 43 children were included in this study. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups according to the caries excavation method. Preoperative evaluation of the carious teeth was performed using digital radiography after sealing the cavities with a radiopaque material. Caries excavation was performed using CCE, CDD, or FACE method. The teeth were restored using self-cured glass ionomer. Post-operative radiographic examination was then performed. Pre-operative and post-operative widths and depths for the cavities were assessed. MIP was determined by comparing the prepared-cavity width and depth relative to the initial width and depth of the caries lesion, respectively. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the MIP of examined groups neither after comparing cavity widths at p=0.253 nor depths at p=0.06. FACE showed the highest mean values of MIP potential for cavity widths (1.41±0.36) and depths (2.04±0.74). Conclusions: CCE, CDD, and FACE showed comparable MIP in children.