Stepwise caries intervention: An approach precursive to endodontic intervention – A case series

Abstract

Stepwise caries excavation, being conceptualized for quite a time now, aims at phasic and thoughtful excavation of the diseased tissue, with a simultaneous attention to the fundamental principles of restorative dentistry. It has gained a humongous momentum conventionally, as the clinicians have eagle-eyed minimally invasive approaches for every possible treatment modality. The attempted case series showcases six cases of deep carious lesion managed by two-step caries excavation protocol in healthy patients diagnosed with chronic symptomatic reversible pulpitis, conclusively holding the longest favorable follow-up of over 3 years. This technique has a paramount clinical potential, conditional on appropriateness of case selection and clinical technique.

Keywords

• calcium hydroxide liner
• deep carious lesions
• indirect pulp capping
• pulp vitality preservation
• two-step caries excavation