Outcomes of Partial and Complete Caries Excavation in Permanent Teeth: A 18 Month Clinical Study

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of partial and complete caries removal (CCR) in permanent teeth with deep carious lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty-three patients of age group 14–54 years with mature permanent molars having deep carious lesions were divided into two groups: partial caries removal (PCR) and CCR. A layer of soft, wet carious dentin was left adjacent to pulpal wall in PCR group, whereas in CCR group, complete infected caries was removed with the help of caries-detector dye. Teeth were restored with composite resin (Tetric N-Ceram; Ivoclar Vivadent), with base of resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) and patients were recalled at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. Success was defined as absence of signs and symptoms of irreversible pulpitis (spontaneous pain, fistula, and swelling) and absence of periapical alterations (radiolucency at furcal or periapical region). RESULTS: Pulp exposure occurred in 13 (9.55%) cases of CCR group. Statistical significant difference (P = 0.001) in terms of pulp exposure was found between two groups. After 18 months, 123 teeth were evaluated (CCR = 56 and PCR = 67) and the success rate in CCR group (98.21%) and the PCR group (92.53%) did not differ significantly (P = 0.115). CONCLUSION: PCR could be as an elective treatment option for the mature permanent teeth with deep carious lesions.