Clinical Efficiency of Three Caries Removal Systems: Rotary Excavation, Carisolv, and Papacarie

Purpose: The removal of dentinal caries using the rotary method of excavation is most often associated with pain and anxiety in children. Chemo-mechanical caries removal may eliminate some of the drawbacks of the rotary technique and improve patient comfort. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficiency of the rotary, Carisolv, and Papacarie methods for caries removal in primary teeth, length of time needed, influence on child behavior, pain perception, and treatment preference of the child.

Methods: This controlled, split-mouth study with a cross-over design compared three caries removal methods in the primary molars of 50 five- to 12-year-old children.

Results: The rotary method was the most efficient and least time-consuming (P<0.001). Pain perception, however, was highest with this method (P<0.05). Papacarie exhibited a higher efficiency and required fewer applications than Carisolv (P<0.01). The Papacarie method was the most preferred, and the rotary method the least-preferred (P<0.05).

Conclusions: Chemo-mechanical caries removal may be a promising alternative treatment procedure, particularly for anxious young patients.