Three alternative operative caries management interventions were assessed by comparing them with the traditional treatment of removing all the decay in one go (complete caries removal). These interventions were.
- Stepwise excavation - this technique removes caries in stages over two visits some months apart, allowing the dental pulp time to repair itself and lay down dentine.
- Partial caries removal - the dentist removes part of the dentinal caries and seals what is left into the tooth permanently.
- No dentinal caries removal - no dentinal caries is removed before sealing or restoring.