Primary teeth caries removal using the Carisolv chemomechanical method: a clinical trial

PURPOSE: The purpose of this controlled clinical trial was to compare the working time for caries removal in primary teeth, the need for local anesthesia and patient cooperation, when the chemomechanical Carisolv or the conventional mechanical method were used. METHODS: The sample consisted of primary teeth of children who had occlusal or buccal carious lesions into dentin. High speed and/or low speed were used as the conventional mechanical method of caries removal. The efficiency in caries removal was judged on the basis of clinical criteria. Length of working time, need of local anesthesia, and level of patient cooperation were recorded for both methods. Statistical analysis was performed using the student's t test and chi-square test. RESULTS: Working time with the chemomechanical method was much more prolonged than with the mechanical method (P < .001), but it did not negatively affect children's cooperation. Furthermore, the chemomechanical method reduced the need for administration of local anesthesia for Class V cavity preparations. CONCLUSIONS: The chemomechanical method, although more prolonged, is effective in caries removal in primary teeth, does not influence children's cooperation and may reduce the need of local anesthesia in Class V restorations.