Comparison of the Efficiency of the Carie-Care and Bromelain Gel, as Chemomechanical Caries Removal Techniques in Primary Teeth: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Recent years have witnessed a growing acceptance of minimally invasive dentistry (MID) in dental research and clinical practice.This philosophy places the highest focus on early diagnosis, prevention, and tissue preservation.MID principles advocate the selective removal of damaged tissue while preserving remineralizable dentin in order to maintain the structural and functional integrity of teeth.8 Chemomechanical caries removal (CMCR), one of the MID techniques, has demonstrated favorable results, especially in pediatric dentistry, where patient comfort and cooperation are crucial. IntroductIonDental caries is one of the most widespread chronic conditions in children, affecting both developed and developing nations.Because of structural weaknesses such as larger pulp chambers, thinner enamel, and less calcified dentin, it is more aggressive in primary teeth. 1 Globally, it is estimated that over 530 million children suffer from untreated dental caries in their primary teeth, 2 resulting in pain, infection, impaired chewing, poor nutrition, and absences from school.3 Beyond causing oral discomfort, dental caries in early childhood has been associated with poor academic performance, speech delays, and a lower quality of life for children and their families.Traditional restorative procedures involving mechanical excavation with high-speed handpieces remain a cornerstone in caries treatment.While effective, these methods may inadvertently remove healthy tissue, induce microfractures in dentin and enamel, 4,5 potentially compromising tooth strength and reducing pulp vitality.Furthermore, the accompanying heat, vibration, and noise may be distressing to young children.These factors can significantly raise pediatric patients' dental anxiety, 4 frequently requiring sedation or local anesthesia.6,7 To alleviate these concerns, alternative minimally invasive techniques have been gaining popularity.