Chemomechanical removal of dental caries in deciduous teeth: Further studies in vitro

Abstract

Objective: To further investigate the efficacy of N-monochloro-DL-2-aminobutyrate (NMAB) and NMAB containing 2M urea (NMAB-urea) as chemomechanical caries removal reagents in deciduous teeth using standardised lesions and limited applicator pressure. Design: In vitro. Method: Carious dentine was removed from standardised lesions in deciduous teeth using NMAB, NMAB-urea or isotonic saline (control); 50 lesions were studied with each reagent. The surface of the dentine remaining in cavities where complete caries removal was achieved was examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. Main results: NMAB-urea (but not NMAB) gave significantly improved caries removal compared with saline. The dentine surfaces remaining after complete caries removal were irregular and approximately one third were bacterially contaminated. Conclusions: The improved efficacy of NMAB by the addition of urea has been confirmed. Toxicity studies are still necessary prior to clinical use of this reagent. © British Dental Journal 1999.