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Systematic Approach to Identify Novel Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Molecules from Plants' Extracts and Fractions to Prevent Dental Caries
Published on: March 31, 2021
Operative caries management in adults and children
David Ricketts1, Thomas Lamont, Nicola P T Innes
1Dundee Dental School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK. d.n.j.ricketts@dundee.ac.uk.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|April 2, 2013
Summary
Stepwise and partial caries removal significantly reduce pulp exposure compared to complete removal in dental caries management. These methods offer a clinical advantage, though further research is needed due to study limitations.
Area of Science:
- Dental Science
- Caries Management
- Restorative Dentistry
Background:
- Traditional dental caries management involves complete removal of demineralized dentin.
- Concerns exist regarding adverse effects of complete caries removal.
- Alternative techniques include stepwise, partial, or no dentinal caries removal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of stepwise, partial, or no dentinal caries removal versus complete caries removal.
- To assess outcomes in previously unrestored primary and permanent teeth.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
- Searched multiple electronic databases (Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE) without language or publication date restrictions.
- Included parallel-group and split-mouth trials comparing different caries removal techniques.
Main Results:
- Stepwise caries removal reduced pulp exposure by 56% (moderate evidence).
- Partial caries removal reduced pulp exposure by 77% (moderate evidence).
- No significant difference in pulp disease signs/symptoms for stepwise vs. complete removal; insufficient evidence for partial vs. complete removal.
Conclusions:
- Stepwise and partial excavation techniques demonstrate a clinical advantage by reducing pulp exposure.
- These methods are beneficial for managing dentinal caries in primary and permanent teeth.
- Further high-quality, long-term trials are recommended due to high risk of bias and short follow-up periods.
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