Evaluation of the Efficacy of Minimal Invasive Methods Versus Conventional Methods for Caries Removal in Primary Molars

Abstract

AIM: Evaluating the efficacy of two "minimal invasive methods" of caries removal (Brix 3000/ceramic bur) in comparison with the conventional method in the management of dental caries in primary molars.  Materials and methods: A sum of 60 teeth from children ranging from four to nine years old of both sexes were selected for this study and randomly assigned to three groups: Group I (Brix 3000), Group II (ceramic bur), and Group III (diamond bur), with 20 teeth per group. RESULTS: Regarding the efficacy of caries removal, the Brix 3000 group had significantly the lowest efficacy, while the ceramic bur and diamond bur groups were significantly the highest without significant differences between the ceramic and diamond groups. Regarding caries removal time, the Brix 3000 group was significantly the highest, while the diamond bur group was significantly the lowest, and the ceramic bur group was intermediate between them. Regarding pain perception, the Brix 3000 and ceramic bur groups were significantly the lowest, with insignificant differences between them, while the diamond bur group was significantly the highest. CONCLUSION: Ceramic bur is an excellent alternative treatment for caries removal in children in comparison with conventional methods and CMCR. Brix 3000®, despite being less painful in comparison with drilling methods, has lower efficacy and efficiency.