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Comparative Evaluation of Efficiency and Efficacy of Caries Excavation Burs in Pediatric Patients: A Randomized
Riya A Pursnani1, Ashish Saxena1, Shikhar P Chauhan1
1Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Government College of Dentistry, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Aims And Background:
To investigate and compare the cutting efficiency (time taken) and efficacy based on visual criteria, tactile criteria, and assessment by caries detecting dye of smart bur and diamond point in primary molars of children between 3 and 9 years. Dental caries is a progressive breakdown of tooth structure, often due to poor dietary habits in children. Traditional treatments like high-speed drilling can remove healthy tissue. Innovations like polymer burs made from polyether ketone ketone (PEKK) selectively remove decayed dentin based on hardness, reducing discomfort and preserving tooth integrity.
Materials And Methods:
This in vivo double-blinded, parallel randomized clinical trial compared the cutting efficiency and efficacy of smart bur and diamond point in primary molar caries removal. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups using a computerized generated sequence. Efficiency was timed; efficacy was assessed visually, tactually, and with caries detector dye.
Setting:
Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Government College of Dentistry.
Participants:
A total of 60 patients following inclusion criteria.
Intervention:
Occlusal caries in dentin was removed with two different caries excavation burs, followed by restoration with Type II glass ionomer cement.
Results Main Outcome:
The diamond point was more efficient, with a mean time of 112.93 ± 27.56 seconds, compared to 128.40 ± 19.98 seconds for the smart bur. The diamond point revealed caries completely in 76.7% of cases, higher than 43.3% with the smart bur.
Conclusion:
The smart bur serves as an effective aid in minimally invasive dentistry by preserving healthy tooth structure, but it does not surpass the conventional diamond point.
Trial Registration Number:
REF/2025/06/107330.
Clinical Significance:
Smart burs, as a part of minimally invasive dentistry, preserve healthy tooth structure during caries removal. They may serve as an alternative to conventional caries excavation methods in pediatric dentistry.