Stop drill, make a change: An in vivo study

Abstract

Background: The chemomechanical method of caries removal is a modality that is non-invasive, cost-effective, and if some caries preventive measures could be added to them, then it might render the remaining dentin more resistant to future caries attacks also. Thereby, this study is conducted to evaluate the in vivo aspect of newly developed “one man army material—Apacaries gel”. Aim and objective: To evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy, efficiency, and pain perception of a chemomechanical caries removal agent (Apacaries gel) with a conventional method. Design: Twenty children (aged 6–12 years) with bilateral occlusal caries making a sample size of 40 were included in the study. Group I: caries removal using rotary instruments and Group II: caries removal using Apacaries gel (n = 20 each). Caries removal time and pain perception were measured using a stopwatch and Wong–Baker Pain Scale. Dentin samples of both groups were taken before and after caries removal for microbiological analysis. Statistical analysis used: The data were statistically analyzed using the Student’s t-test to compare the two groups. Results: There was a non-significant difference in bacterial count while a significant difference was seen in time consumption and pain perception in both methods of caries removal. Conclusion: Chemomechanical caries removal (Apacaries gel) can be an effective clinical alternative treatment for caries removal in children. Key messages: It is the only in vivo study on “Apacaries gel—a one man army”which eliciting the unique property of prevention of dental caries.