Clinical Evaluation of an Enzymatic Dentine Caries Removal System

Objectives:

Aim of the present prospective, randomized, examiner blinded, controlled, clinical study was to evaluate class V restorations after caries excavation with an enzymatic, minimal invasive system for caries removal.

Methods:

A total of 37 patients were included into the study after permission of the ethical committee of the University of Freiburg, and receipt of written informed consent. The participants had at least one vital tooth with an active primary class V lesion. Teeth of the experimental group (n=18) were treated with the enzymatic caries removal agent (SFC-V, 3M ESPE), teeth of the control group (n=19) with a conventional bur. All teeth were restored with the same composite material (Scotchbond, Filtek Supreme, 3M ESPE). Restorations were evaluated at baseline, after 10 days, and after 6 months. Modified Ryge-criteria were expressed with 1 for the best and 4 for the worst score. Descriptive statistics according to scale levels, Mantel Haenszl test, and chi square, if indicated, were used.

Results:

Local anesthesia during the treatment was given for 68% of the participants of the control and 39% of the experimental group. Pulp test over time was positive in all cases.

Above mentioned Ryge scores and secondary criteria were comparable in both groups, with the exception of the duration of the intervention (p≤0.001).

Conclusion:

In conclusion it can be stated that efficacy concerning the examined parameters is comparable between the enzymatic caries removal system and the conventional bur excavation except for duration of the treatment.

The study was supported by 3M Espe (Seefeld, Germany).