Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The chemomechanical caries removal system is made presently available containing a natural proteolytic enzyme for ease in the excavation of infected dentin. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and efficiency of caries removal using Papacarie(®) and Carie-Care™. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 extracted deciduous molars with proximal caries were collected, and each tooth was sectioned mesiodistally in the center of the carious lesion so that the two halves (buccal and lingual or palatal) have similar carious lesions, thus 30 teeth yielded 60 specimens. The specimens from each tooth were divided alternatively into two groups for caries excavation either using Papacarie(®) or Carie-Care™ so as to avoid selection bias. Paired t-test was used to compare mean time taken for caries removal and Fischer's exact test was done for comparing bacterial remnants after caries excavation. RESULTS: Mean time taken for caries removal was significantly higher for Carie-Care™ (427.13 s) when compared to Papacarie(®) (385.8 s). Papacarie(®) was found to be significantly more efficient in caries removal with marked reduction in the bacterial remnants following excavation. However, both gels were found to be conservative as dentinal tubule destruction was not evident in either of them. CONCLUSION: Both Papacarie(®) and Carie-Care™ were found to be conservative in caries removal. Papacarie(®) was more efficient in removing bacteria in lesser time from the infected carious lesion.