Chemomechanical Caries Removal — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModerateRestorative DentistryChemomechanical Caries RemovalNDEB AFK

Which method of caries removal uses chemomechanical dissolution of carious dentin while preserving sound tooth structure?

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Correct answer: B — Carisolv (sodium hypochlorite-based gel)

Carisolv is a chemo-mechanical caries removal system using a sodium hypochlorite-based gel containing amino acids (glutamic acid, leucine, lysine). The gel selectively softens and dissolves denatured (carious) collagen in infected dentin while preserving sound (unaffected) dentin. After application for 30 seconds, the softened caries is removed with specially designed hand instruments. This approach is minimally invasive and may reduce the need for local anaesthesia. Similar systems include Papacarie (papain-based).

Reference: Heymann – Sturdevant's Art and Science of Operative Dentistry, 7th ed., 2019