Comparative Evaluation of Efficiency and Efficacy of Caries Excavation Burs in Pediatric Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Historically, dental burs were developed >3 centuries ago and remain widely used in modern dental practice.They can be employed at rotational speeds reaching up to 5,00,000 revolutions per minute. 3Ancient civilizations like the Maya, Greeks, and Romans used basic tools such as bow drills and trephines for dental procedures. 4In 1728, Pierre Fauchard described some of the earliest dental techniques, including the use of bow drills equipped with cutting tools.The 19th century saw hand drills with steel burs IntroductIonDental caries is a prevalent condition primarily resulting from poor dietary habits, leading to the demineralization and breakdown of tooth structure.Traditionally, the management of caries involves the use of slow-speed handpieces and carbide burs, which often inadvertently remove healthy tooth tissue along with the decayed portions.This limitation has highlighted the need for more precise and conservative treatment approaches.Minimally invasive dentistry (MID) is a patient-centered approach that focuses on preserving oral health through early detection, risk assessment, and conservative treatment strategies.It promotes collaboration between the dental team and the patient, emphasizing preventive care, minimal intervention, and regular follow-up.An essential component of MID involves guiding and encouraging patients to actively participate in caring for their own oral health and hygiene. 1 In MID, dental caries is understood as a dynamic infectious disease process, rather than being viewed solely as the end-stage manifestation of decay.This modern perspective replaces the traditional philosophy of "extension for prevention" with a more conservative and evidence-based approach, often summarized as "constriction with conviction."