Chemo-mechanical and photodynamic approach in A deep dental cavity: A case report

Aim: To test a chemical-mechanical method and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (a-PDT) in combination to manage a deep dental carious lesion in a permanent molar pediatric patient. Background: Due to specific characteristics of early-erupted teeth, as first permanent lower molars, techniques that provide less invasive tissue removal aiming keep healthy tooth parts, such as pulp tissue, are desired. Furthermore, especially to children, provide comfort, less noise and vibration are important issues that should be considered on the management of deep caries. Case description: The following case report presents an association of Papacarie Duo (R) (PD) and a-PDT used in a 9-year-old patient with a deep dental caries in the mandibular right first molar. After PD application, the carious tissue was carefully removed with the cavity stained for 1 min with rose bengal solution, irradiated with a high intensity LED constituting the a-PDT technique, and definitively restored with composite resin. At 6 months of follow-up, no signs of caries were verified, showing success to applied techniques. A microbiological evaluation attested the antimicrobial effects of the alternative procedures. Conclusion: Although it reached optimal clinical and bacterial reduction outcomes, the approach demonstrated an excessive length of time taken for the management of carious lesion. Clinical significance: The use of new technologies should be encouraged, especially when treating deep caries aiming for a less invasive approach.