[Treatment strategies for deep caries].

Deep caries occurs when caries progresses to the deep dentin layer, and further progression has the risk of pulp exposure, which may affect pulp vitality and tooth longevity. Currently, there are no objective standards for the diagnosis of deep caries. In addition, traditional therapy for deep caries emphasizes complete debridement of the decayed tissue, resulting in an incremental high risk of pulp exposure. There are different views on how to deal with the remaining dentin after caries removal, and root canal treatment is often adopted directly after pulp exposure. In recent years, due to advances in dental pulp biology, bioactive pulp-capping materials, and clinical evidence-based medicine, the principle of deep caries treatment has shifted to pulp protection. Based on the latest international research progress, evidence-based medicine and expert consensus, we present a series of advancements in this article, including the terminology of deep caries, pathological changes and defense mechanisms of the pulp close to the deep caries, treatment principles of deep caries, technical strategies for carious tissues removal, and the decision-making of treatment protocols after pulp exposure, with the aim of enhancing the understanding of deep caries among dentists, as well as providing a reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of deep caries.

Long-term survival of different deep dentin caries treatments: A 5-year clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this in-vivo study was to evaluate the long-term clinical survival of different deep dentin caries treatment options. MATERIALS AND METHODS: : In total, 391 patients with at least one permanent tooth with clinically diagnosed deep dentin caries were inspected. Two hundred and fourteen patients were examined at recall visits. Inclusion criteria were teeth with deep caries lesions with pulp vitality but absence of spontaneous pain and periapical alterations. The subjects received either stepwise removal (SWR), complete caries removal (CCR), or direct pulp capping (DPC). The radiological and clinical exams were performed after a mean observation time of 62 months. Success was defined as pulp sensitivity to vitality test and absence of periapical lesions as well as a clinical symptom. Data were statistically analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and log-rank (Mantel-Cox) tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Of the total 214 patients evaluated, 126 received SWR, 88 received CCR, and 67 received DPC treatment. One hundred and twenty-seven restorations were amalgam and 141 were composite. The mean observation period was 62 months. Survival rates were 85.7%, 90.9%, and 59.7% for SWR, CCR, and DPC, respectively (P = 0.001). Success rates of amalgam restorations (86.6%) were similar to composite restorations (83%), and both were found to be successful (P = 0.401). CONCLUSION: SWR treatment should be considered to preserve pulp vitality of deep dentin lesions instead of CCR or DPC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: SWR method for deep dentin caries management had acceptable results over 5 years.

Conservative treatment for deep carious lesions in primary and young permanent teeth.

The management of deeply carious lesion could be accomplished conservatively by two techniques: an indirect single-step and stepwise techniques. The former involves incomplete removal of carious dentin and then application of a well-sealed permanent restoration. While the latter involves incomplete removal of caries and then reentry after a period to remove the residual caries, after changing its environment. The aim of this article was to review the dental literature concerning the conservative methods available to treat deeply carious teeth. A literature search was done using electronic databases "PubMed," "Google Scholar," and "Cochrane Database" for articles in English. Several keywords were used: conservative treatment, deep caries, deeply carious lesion, indirect pulp capping (IPC), and stepwise excavation. This review mentions two operative methods for conservative treatment of deeply carious lesions, namely, IPC, including criteria for case selection and success and failure of the deeply carious lesion, and an account on various used materials. Both single-step and stepwise IPC techniques could be used for managing deeply carious lesions with maintaining pulp vitality; more longitudinal studies are needed to determine which technique is preferable to be used.

Alternative approach for carious tissue removal in primary teeth.

BACKGROUND: Minimally-invasive techniques for the management of carious dental tissue has been well documented. This study aimed to report on the clinical and radiographic response after partial caries removal on left mandibular primary second molar. CASE REPORT: A 6-year-old boy sought treatment because of pain in the left mandibular primary second molar. The tooth had a deep caries lesion on the occlusal surface, with loss of enamel structure and dentine proximity with the pulp confirmed by periapical radiograph. According to the clinical and radiographic diagnosis, partial caries removal was the treatment of choice. Calcium hydroxide cement was used as pulp capping material. FOLLOW-UP: In this case report, partial caries removal showed satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes after 18-month following-up period. CONCLUSION: Partial caries removal only is applicable when properly indicated. However, further clinical studies with longer following-up periods are necessary.

Patients' preferences for selective versus complete excavation: A mixed-methods study.

OBJECTIVES: Despite increasing evidence supporting selective caries tissue removal, the technique is not adopted by most dentists, one possible reason being that patients might reject it. We aimed to assess patients' preferences for selective versus complete excavation, and to identify predictors of this preference. METHODS: A sequential mixed-methods approach was taken. First, semi-structured focus group discussions on two convenience samples were performed. Verbatim transcripts were evaluated using content-analysis to inform quantitative study design. The subsequent survey employed convenience, snow-ball and deviant-case sampling, yielding 150 respondents. The relevance of treatment attributes (risks of nerve damage, root-canal treatment, recurrent caries, restorative complications, treatment costs, aesthetic consequences) on patients' treatment preferences was measured using case-vignettes. Dental experience and anxiety as well as patients' personality and socio-demographic details were recorded. Association of predictor variables (age, gender, education, partnership status, personality items, dental experience, anxiety) with treatment preference was assessed using regression analysis. RESULTS: Focus group participants perceived complete excavation as reliable, but feared endodontic treatment. The vast majority of survey respondents (82.7%) preferred complete over selective excavation. The preference for selective excavation was significantly increased in patients with an emotionally stable personality (p<0.001), university entrance degree (p<0.001), none or little dental anxiety (p=0.044), few dentist changes in the past (p=0.025), and who accepted that sealed lesions could progress (p<0.002). CONCLUSION: Treatment attributes, socio-demographic characteristics, personality and dental experiences shape patients' preference towards caries excavation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Clinical decision-making regarding carious tissue removal might be affected by dentists on both an informative and an empathic level.

Randomized controlled clinical trial of the 24-months survival of composite resin restorations after one-step incomplete and complete excavation on primary teeth.

OBJECTIVE: This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the 24-months survival of composite restorations in primary molars after partial caries removal (PCR) and total caries removal (TCR). METHODS: Forty-eight children aged 3-8 years with at least one molar with a deep carious lesion were included (PCR; n=66; TCR; n=54). For PCR, excavation was stopped when dentine with a leathery consistency was achieved; in the TCR group, total absence of carious tissue was confirmed using a blunt-tipped probe. Pulpotomy was performed in cases of pulp exposure. Success was assessed by modified USPHS criteria with Alpha and Bravo scores recorded as success. RESULTS: Pulp exposure occurred in 1 and 15 of the teeth treated with PCR and TCR respectively (p<0.01). The restorations survival rate after 24 months was 66% (PCR) and 86% (TCR) (p=0.03). When teeth that received pulpotomy were analyzed separately, the survival rate was 92% (p=0.09). PCR performed in occlusoproximal restorations demonstrated the lowest success rate (p=0.002). PCR increases 2.90 times the probability of having a restorative failure compared to TCR (p=0.03), after adjusting for cavity type. When pulp exposure and restoration failure were considered as the outcome, there was no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.10) with success rates of 64% (PCR) and 61% (TCR). CONCLUSION: Collectively, deciduous teeth submitted to PCR prevented pulp exposure and, consequently, more invasive treatments; otherwise, PCR yielded lower longevity for composite restoration compared to TCR, suggesting that PCR restorations need to be followed over time, especially when multi-surface restorations are involved. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Composite restorations on carious remaining tissue require monitoring over time, especially those performed in more than one surface. Even if the restorations present shortcomings over the time, the majority of them are subject to repair, allowing more conservative approaches for teeth with deep caries lesions.

Infected Dentine Revisited.

Dentine becomes infected as a result of caries lesion formation on root surfaces and when lesions progress following cavitation of enamel lesions. However, this infection is unimportant because the driving force for lesion formation and progression is the overlying biofilm. This explains why root surface caries can be controlled by mechanical plaque control and fluoride, and restorations are not needed to arrest these lesions. Similarly, the infected dentine in cavitated coronal lesions does not have to be removed to arrest the lesion. If the lesion is either accessible or opened for cleaning by the patient or parent, the lesion can be arrested. Sealing of infected dentine within the tooth, either by a Hall crown in the primary dentition or by partial caries removal prior to placing a well-sealed filling, will also arrest the lesion. When restoring deep lesions in symptomless, vital teeth, vigorous excavation of infected dentine is likely to expose the pulp and make root canal treatment necessary. Thus complete excavation'is not needed and should be avoided. CPD/CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Root surface caries can be arrested by cleaning and fluoride application. Restorations are not essential. Vigorous excavation of softened dentine in deep cavities of symptomless, vital teeth is contra-indicated. It is not needed and increases the risk of pulp exposure.

Minimally invasive clinical approach in indirect pulp therapy and healing of deep carious lesions.

Indirect pulp treatment is a conservative vital pulp procedure performed in deep carious lesion approximating the pulp, but without signs or symptoms of pulp degeneration. Removing the carious biomass along with sealing the residual caries from extrinsic substrate and oral bacteria makes residual caries after the first excavation less active. This allows time for pulpo dentinal complex to form tertiary dentine so that at the second excavation, there is less likelihood of pulpal exposure. It has also been suggested that by changing the cavity environment from an active lesion into a more slowly progressing lesion, will be accompanied by more regular tubular tertiary dentin formation. The success of this approach has been demonstrated by various randomized controlled studies comparing conventional treatment of such lesions with stepwise excavation. These results are echoed at clinical, radiographic, macroscopic, microscopic and ultrastructural level during follow up visits. This study reviews promising concepts and rationale of minimally invasive indirect pulp therapy technique where conventional wisdom of caries removal is challenged

Current status of conservative treatment of deep carious lesions.

Traditionally, deep carious lesions are treated by removal of all carious tissue, which may lead to pulp exposure. To minimize this risk, conservative carious tissue removal techniques have been proposed, including partial removal and stepwise excavation. However, there is no consensus in the literature about which is the better technique. Thus, the aim of this article is to describe and discuss the main techniques for carious tissue removal, according to scientific evidence. It was observed that both stepwise excavation and partial carious tissue removal presented lower pulp exposure rates and higher success rates. Clinical Relevance: Clinicians must be aware that conservative carious tissue removal techniques, such as stepwise excavation and partial carious tissue removal, present lower pulp exposure rates and higher success rates than traditional methods.

Attitudes and behaviour regarding deep dentin caries removal: a survey among German dentists.

Incomplete removal of deep caries has been shown to reduce the risks of pulp exposure and postoperative pulpal complications. It is therefore of interest whether dentists perform one- or two-step incomplete excavation, and which criteria and methods they use to assess and provide removal of deep caries. This study investigated the attitudes and behaviour of dentists in northern Germany using a new, validated questionnaire. The survey included 2,346 practitioners, 821 (35%) of whom responded. Demographic and sensitivity analysis did not indicate selection bias. 50% of dentists considered only complete excavation, even if pulp exposure was likely. If caries was to be removed incompletely, 77% considered two-step excavation. Hardness was the most important criterion to assess excavation. To treat an exposed pulp, 75% of dentists considered direct capping, 70% refused incomplete excavation fearing caries progression or pulp damage, and 59% reported to prefer more invasive treatment to facilitate restoration longevity. Over 50% recognised an influence of professional regulations on their treatment decisions. There was a moderate correlation between attitudes and behaviour of dentists, with dentists who suspected residual caries to be harmful rejecting incomplete excavation and vice versa. Cluster analysis identified two groups of dentists with opposite attitudes and behaviour, independently from dentist's age or gender. In conclusion, the majority of surveyed dentists was sceptical about leaving caries during excavation and does not practice incomplete caries removal. Therefore, benefits of partial excavation should be highlighted in under- and postgraduate education and regulatory incentives modified to promote minimally invasive techniques.

Failure of incompletely excavated teeth--a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: When treating deep caries, one- and two-step incomplete caries removal reduce the risk of pulpal exposure. However, it is currently unclear if incompletely excavated teeth fail due to pulpal or rather non-pulpal complications. The present study systematically analysed how incompletely excavated teeth fail, and if certain tooth- or treatment-related factors may influence risk of failure. DATA: Clinical studies investigating clinical or radiologic failure after incomplete excavation of deep caries (depth >1/2 dentine thickness) were evaluated. Weighted annual failure rates (AFRs) were used to analyse frequency and mode of failures. Sub-analyses compared risk of failure in different groups of possible influencing factors. SOURCES: Electronic databases were screened and studies cross-referenced. Language was restricted to English and German. Grey literature was not evaluated. RESULTS: 19 studies with a median (Q25/75) follow-up of 24 (12/48) months were included. AFR was 3.8 (1.4/4.4)%. Eleven studies reported pulpal complications being the major reason for failure, and only 2 studies found more non-pulpal than pulpal failures. Sub-analyses found significantly lower risk of failure for teeth after one- compared with two-step excavation (Odds ratio [95% CI]=0.21 [0.08, 0.55]) and teeth with single- compared with multi-surface cavities (0.33 [0.16, 0.67]). Risk of bias differed widely between studies, and evidence levels were graded as very low. CONCLUSIONS: After incomplete removal of deep caries, pulpal failure was more common. One- compared with two-step excavation reduces risk of failure, and factors like number of restored surfaces seem to but influence failure, but limited evidence permits drawing definitive conclusions. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Growing evidence indicates that one-step incomplete excavation seems suitable to treat deep caries lesions, and might have advantages compared to two-step incomplete or complete caries removal. However, it is too early to recommend certain clinical strategies.

Incomplete caries removal: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Increasing numbers of clinical trials have demonstrated the benefits of incomplete caries removal, in particular in the treatment of deep caries. This study systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials investigating one- or two-step incomplete compared with complete caries removal. Studies treating primary and permanent teeth with primary caries lesions requiring a restoration were analyzed. The following primary and secondary outcomes were investigated: risk of pulpal exposure, post-operative pulpal symptoms, overall failure, and caries progression. Electronic databases were screened for studies from 1967 to 2012. Cross-referencing was used to identify further articles. Odds ratios (OR) as effect estimates were calculated in a random-effects model. From 364 screened articles, 10 studies representing 1,257 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed risk reduction for both pulpal exposure (OR [95% CI] 0.31 [0.19-0.49]) and pulpal symptoms (OR 0.58 [0.31-1.10]) for teeth treated with one- or two-step incomplete excavation. Risk of failure seemed to be similar for both complete and incomplete excavation, but data for this outcome were of limited quality and inconclusive (OR 0.97 [0.64-1.46]). Based on reviewed studies, incomplete caries removal seems advantageous compared with complete excavation, especially in proximity to the pulp. However, evidence levels are currently insufficient for definitive conclusions because of high risk of bias within studies.

Dentin microhardness of primary teeth undergoing partial carious removal.

AIM: To evaluate the dentin microhardness of primary teeth undergoing indirect pulp capping (IPC) after partial caries removal. MATERIALS: Primary molars were treated with IPC, restored with self-etching primer (Clearfil SE Bond; CSE), and filled with composite resin (Filtek Z250) with (n = 10) or without (n = 7) a calcium hydroxide base liner (Dycal; Dy). After tooth exfoliation, the microhardness of the demineralized dentin remaining under the restoration (n = 17) was analyzed and compared with that of sound and carious primary dentin (n = 20). Microhardness measurements were obtained from the deepest portion of the cavity until the roof of the pulp chamber. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: There was no difference in microhardness values at all depths between the treated groups (DY and CSE), but when the exfoliated carious teeth were included, the CSE had significantly higher values at 35-microm depth. This difference was only detected in the DY group after a depth of 200 microm. At 700 microm, there was no difference in microhardness values between all 4 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Primary teeth that underwent IPC showed the same microhardness, regardless of the capping material used.

Rationale for the partial removal of carious tissue in primary teeth.

No consensus exists regarding the need for a second clinical session to remove carious dentin that remains in the pulp wall after partial caries removal. The purpose of the present article was to review studies that evaluated the effect of partial caries removal as provisional or definitive treatment on the dentinal microflora, the pulp response, or the progression of carious lesions in primary teeth. The results showed that partial caries removal performed in 1 session is more advantageous than removal in stages over 2 visits. This treatment, in addition to permitting the inactivation of caries lesions and reducing cariogenic micro-organisms in dentin, reduces the risk of pulp exposure caused by cavity reopening and excavation of remnant carious dentin. The favorable outcomes of partial caries removal in a single session support the indication of this modality as a definitive alternative restorative treatment for the primary dentition.

Effect of the smear layer on a pulp proximity-indicating instrument.

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of removing or modifying the smear layer on the indication provided by the Prepometer pulp proximity-indicating instrument. Third molars were prepared to produce flat surfaces in the coronal dentine, and control Prepometer LED readings were made. Group E was treated with 18% EDTA and Group T with Tubulicid. Prepometer readings were repeated. Dentine was removed in 0.5 mm increments, and readings repeated until a red LED appeared, indicating a danger of pulp exposure. Distances to the pulp were measured. t test, Wilcoxon signed ranks test (WSR) and ordinal regression (OR) analysis were performed, together with SEM examination. There were significant differences between both test groups and their untreated controls. OR showed that a red LED appeared further from the pulp with EDTA treatment than with no treatment. A red LED appeared closer to the pulp with Tubulicid treatment than with no treatment. SEM showed smear removal in Group E and occlusion of tubules in Group T. Prepometer performance was significantly influenced by treatment with EDTA and Tubulicid. Practitioners would be required to learn to interpret the display of the Prepometer instrument in the context of the tooth under treatment and the surface condition of the cut dentine.

Incomplete caries removal in deep lesions: a 10-year prospective study.

PURPOSE: To follow-up teeth with deep caries lesions submitted to incomplete caries removal over a 10-year period. METHODS: 27 subjects (32 permanent posterior teeth) with deep caries lesions composed the sample. In this single-arm long-term prospective study, the inclusion criteria were risk of pulp exposure during caries excavation, positive response to the cold test, absence of spontaneous pain or sensitivity during percussion, and radiographic absence of a periapical lesion. Subjects were submitted to the following procedures: complete caries removal from the surrounding cavity walls, incomplete caries removal from the pulpal wall, capping with a calcium hydroxide cement, and sealing with a modified zinc oxide-eugenol cement. After 6-7 months, the temporary sealing was removed for methodological purposes (no further excavation was performed), and teeth were capped with a calcium hydroxide cement and filled with resin composite. Clinical and radiographic assessments were conducted after 6-7 months, 1.5, 3, 5 and 10 years. Success was defined as clinical and radiographic signs and symptoms of pulp sensitivity while failure was defined as endodontic treatment need. RESULTS: Over 10 years, one tooth was excluded from the sample (pulp exposure during treatment), five were lost to recall, 10 had therapy failure (five fractures and four necroses leading to endodontic treatment need, and one extraction) and 16 had therapy success (pulp sensitivity). Overall survival rates were 97%, 90%, 82% and 63% at 1.5-, 3-, 5- and 10-year follow-ups, respectively. Teeth with two or more restored surfaces failed significantly more than teeth with one restored surface (P= 0.01).

Trial of protective effect of fissure sealants, in vivo, on the palatal surfaces of anterior teeth, in patients suffering from erosion.

OBJECTIVES: Previous work has shown protection to eroded teeth offered by a resin-based adhesive lasted up to three months. The hypothesis investigated in this study was whether application of a fissure sealant would offer longer protection. METHODS: Seventeen adult patients with palatal tooth wear were recruited and written consent obtained. Metal discs were cemented on the palatal surfaces of all upper anterior teeth following previously published techniques. Alternate teeth within each subject were randomly chosen and coated with a clear fissure sealant using previously published methods. The uncoated teeth were used as controls. Accurate impressions were taken in custom made trays and repeated at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 20 months and scanned using a non-contacting laser profilometer. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) thickness of the fissure sealant was 290 µm (500) at the start and after 3 months a mean thickness of 120 µm (260) remained. At this point the control surfaces showed a mean 70 µm (113) of tooth wear. At 6 and 9 months the mean wear for control teeth was higher at 120 µm (114) and 110 µm (114) than sealed teeth at 50 µm (260) and 60 µm (440), respectively. A comparison of paired sites within subjects at their final visit indicated a statistically significant difference in wear between the sealed and control teeth (p=0.016). CONCLUSIONS: The use of fissure sealant to protect palatal dentine surfaces may have a role in prevention of tooth wear for up to a period of nine months.

Treatment decisions for deep carious lesions in the Public Health Service in Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to assess Public Health Service clinicians' treatment decisions about deep carious lesions in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil. METHODS: Treatment decisions were assessed with a structured questionnaire (open/discursive and containing information about gender, university and year of college graduation, and college major) and three simulated clinical cases composed of teeth with primary deep carious lesion. All professionals working for the Public Health Service in the city were addressed. RESULTS: Out of 122 professionals, 54 participated in the study (response rate of 44 percent). There was no difference between respondents and non-respondents regarding gender, year of college graduation, or college major. The most commonly indicated procedure was direct complete excavation (71.1 percent), followed by stepwise excavation (17.6 percent), partial caries removal (8.8 percent), and pulp therapies (direct pulp capping, partial or complete pulpotomy, and endodontics) (2.5 percent). Year of college graduation was the only variable influencing treatment decision. Logistic regression analysis showed that professionals who had graduated after the year 2000 were significantly more likely to indicate a conservative treatment than were dentists who graduated through 1979 (odds ratio = 5.5). CONCLUSIONS: The most commonly proposed treatment is the one with the highest risk of pulp exposure, and consequently the poorest prognosis. Younger dentists tended to indicate more conservative approaches, compared with those indicated by older dentists.