Chemomechanical Caries Removal Using Papain Gel

Chemomechanical Caries Removal Using a Papain-Based Gel: A Randomized Clinical Trial

To evaluate the efficacy of a papain-based gel in caries removal.

Twenty children with at least two carious molar teeth without pulpal involvement participated in this randomized clinical trial. A total of 40 teeth were randomly divided into two treatment groups: group A, papain-based gel; and group B, conventional technique. Data collection included the time required for caries removal, need for local anesthesia, degree of discomfort, changes in the number of viable bacteria, and clinical evaluation of glass ionomer-cement restorations 6-month post-treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children with active caries without pulpal involvement in two deciduous molar teeth participated in the trial.
• The caries were located on the occlusal surface.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children with pathological process of the dental tissue, with pulpal involvement