ABSTRACT
The use of Carisolv[TM] decreases unnecessary removal of sound dental tissue and reduces the possibility of pulpal exposure. However, it is expensive and time-consuming and its efficacy has not been clearly " defined. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy, safety and efficiency of removing deep caries using conventional mechanical methods alone and in conjunction with Carisolv. This investigation was a single-blind randomized clinical trial. Forty individuals, each with a deep carious tooth [0.5-1 mm from the pulp] without signs and symptoms of necrosis or irreversible pulpitis were selected and randomly divided into two study-groups: A, all caries were mechanically removed using rotary instruments and B, Carisolv was applied on deep carious lesions and the rest of the caries were mechanically eliminated. All cavities were evaluated by a dental probe. After complete caries removal the teeth were filled as usual. The outcome variables were complete caries removal, pulpal exposure and time taken to remove caries. The results were analyzed by X[2] and Mann-Whitney tests. Three pulpal exposures occurred in group A and one in group B without a statistically significant difference. Regarding complete caries removal, the two methods were similar. The mean caries-removal time was 16 +/- 6.8 min in group A and 25.2 +/- 6.3 min in group B [P<0.001]. The amount of Carislov used for each tooth was 0.17 cc. Application of the mechanical and chemomechanical methods simultaneously, is more time-consuming and does not seem to significantly improve the treatment results