“Does the Method of Caries Excavation Affect the Bond Strength of Restoration in Primary Teeth?”

Abstract

Traditionally caries excavation has been performed according to mechanical principles using rotary and sharp-edged hand instruments. Although these methods are often effective, have some major disadvantages. It is difficult to establish the amount of dentin to be removed due to the apparent lack of objective clinical markers. Secondly, need for local anesthesia to alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by mechanical methods.  To circumvent these drawbacks, alternative minimally invasive caries excavation techniques, including laser ablation, air abrasion, sonic abrasion, and chemo-mechanical caries removal were introduced. They are characterized by a common feature of selective removal of caries-infected tissue and leaving the caries-affected tissues intact.