Alternative approach for carious tissue removal in primary teeth

Background Minimally-invasive techniques for the management of carious dental tissue has been well documented. This study aimed to report on the clinical and radiographic response after partial caries removal on left mandibular primary second molar. Case report A 6-year-old boy sought treatment because of pain in the left mandibular primary second molar. The tooth had a deep caries lesion on the occlusal surface, with loss of enamel structure and dentine proximity with the pulp confirmed by periapical radiograph. According to the clinical and radiographic diagnosis, partial caries removal was the treatment of choice. Calcium hydroxide cement was used as pulp capping material. Follow-up In this case report, partial caries removal showed satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes after 18-month following-up period. Conclusion Partial caries removal only is applicable when properly indicated. However, further clinical studies with longer following-up periods are necessary.