Permeability evaluation after decay removal in primary teeth with current caries-excavation techniques

Area of Science:

• Restorative Dentistry
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Dental caries management in primary teeth requires effective caries removal while preserving tooth structure.
• Class II composite resin restorations are susceptible to microleakage, influencing their longevity.
• Different caries removal techniques may affect the marginal integrity of restorations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of three distinct caries removal methods on the permeability of class II composite resin restorations in primary molars.
• To compare the effectiveness of mechanical, caries detector dye, and chemomechanical (Carisolv) methods in relation to restoration permeability.

Main Methods:

• Forty-five primary molars underwent caries removal using mechanical, caries detector dye, or Carisolv methods.
• Class II cavities were restored with a standardized adhesive and composite resin system.
• Samples were subjected to 500 thermocycles and permeability assessed via fluid filtration.
• Statistical analysis included ANOVA and Tukey tests.

Main Results:

• The highest mean permeability was observed with the caries detector dye group (0.80), and the least with Carisolv (0.37).
• A statistically significant difference in permeability was found among the groups (p=0.045).
• Carisolv showed a significant difference compared to caries detector dye (p=0.037), but not the conventional method.

Conclusions:

• Chemo-mechanical and staining caries removal methods do not increase permeability compared to conventional techniques.
• Caries detector dye may pose a greater risk to restoration sealing than chemomechanical methods.
• No tested caries excavation technique completely eliminated permeability in class II composite restorations.