Hand instrumentation for caries excavation

Powder/water jet prophylaxis device (EMS Airflow) for caries excavation

Hand excavation and Powder/ jet prophylaxis device (EMS Airflow) for caries excavation

An enamel hatchet will be used to create access to the carious lesion and then removal of soft carious tissue will be undertaken with excavators. Excavation will be stopped when some resistance to excavation will be felt and the cavity will be then conditioned with polyacrylic acid for 20 s, washed and dried with cotton pellets. A high-viscosity glass-ionomer cement will be used to restore the cavity. Moisture control will be achieved with the use of cotton wool rolls. A chair-side assistant will hand-mix the glass-ionomer according to manufacturers' instructions and it will be placed in the cavity using the "press-finger" technique whenever the type of cavity allows it. In the case of root restorations, a glove coated with petroleum jelly will be used similarly to the "press-finger" technique to better condense the material into the cavity. Excess material will be removed; the restoration will be coated with petroleum jelly. No local anaesthetic will be used to provide ART treatment.

Restoration success rate (SxR %): For the purpose of this trial, a successful restoration is defined as one that has undergone no changes in its surface / structural integrity, still adhered to the structure and is functional when examined during the scheduled or unscheduled recall visit. The restoration success rate (SxR %) is calculated by the number of successful restorations present at the end of the trial (nsx) divided by the number of restorations placed in the beginning of the trial (N0) multiplied by 100 using the formula: SxR % = (nsx / N0) * 100.

Restoration survival rate (SvR %): For the purpose of this trial, any restoration, where the surface or structural integrity is compromised, but still adhering to the tooth, is functional and does not warrant a repair or replacement when examined during the scheduled or unscheduled recall visit, is considered survived. The restoration survival rate (SvR %) is calculated by the number of survived restorations present at the end of the trial (nsv) divided by the number of restorations placed in the beginning of the trial (N0) multiplied by 100 using the formula: SvR = (nsv / N0) * 100.

Secondary assessment will be to assess the participants' treatment preference. This is done by administering a simple questionnaire which inquires on their treatment preferences.

After treatment will be completed the dental nurse will question the participant about their treatment preference. The questions will include preferences for restorative treatment with or without the use of anaesthesia, with or without rotary instrumentation, hand instrumentation or with air-water prophylaxis device, compared to their previous dental experience. The response "no difference" will also an option.