Chemomechanical Removal of Caries - An Invasive Method as Extension for Prevention: A Review

The traditional treatment of caries was merely surgical. Conventionally, the only effective method of eliminating the disease was to completely remove all of the demineralized area of the tooth structure. Even the smallest area of demineralization required the excavation of a standard amount of sound tooth structure to prevent the progression of disease. Chemomechanical caries removal (CMCR) is a non-invasive technique in which chemical agents are used to eliminate the infected dentin. This dissolution-based caries removal method uses a chemical agent assisted by atraumatic mechanical vigor for the excavation of soft carious dentine. This technique was developed by Dr. G. V. Black as “extension for prevention” which led to specific of sound tooth structure. In later years, the profession moved toward practicing preventive dentistry and following more conservative and tooth-preserving procedures. This paper discusses newer invasive techniques for caries excavation.