Comparing the Efficacy of Three Minimally Invasive Techniques on Demineralized Dentin in Primary Teeth and Evaluating Its Residual Dentin and Microhardness Levels: An In Vitro Study

AIM: This study aims to compare the caries removal efficacy of three minimally invasive techniques and to analyze qualitatively under stereomicroscopy and quantitatively using Vickers hardness test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty non-carious anterior primary teeth were selected and subjected to demineralization and the same was confirmed using RadioVisioGraphy (RVG). Samples were divided into three groups: Bromelain gel, smart bur, and atraumatic restorative technique (ART). Caries removal was carried out for a time period of 2 minutes. The remaining demineralized dentin was measured using stereomicroscopy. Random dentin blocks were prepared and a microhardness test was conducted. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were subjected to statistical analysis by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. RESULTS: Stereomicroscopic analysis revealed bromelain gel and smart burs to be superior to ART. Bromelain gel was found to have comparable microhardness levels as healthy dentin. Statistically significant (p < 0.001) results were obtained. CONCLUSION: In terms of caries removal and microhardness, bromelain gel was highly efficient when compared to other groups. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Fear and anxiety of children and parents about conventional drills led to the emerging trends of minimally invasive restorative dentistry. This research indicated the use of bromelain gel and smart bur in the process of caries removal and that bromelain was more efficient when compared to other groups. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Abinaya R, Nagar P, Urs Pallavi, et al. Comparing the Efficacy of Three Minimally Invasive Techniques on Demineralized Dentin in Primary Teeth and Evaluating Its Residual Dentin and Microhardness Levels: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(6):585–589.