25141203
OBJECTIVE	Compare the effectiveness of Papacarie gel for the chemo-mechanical removal of carious lesions on primary teeth to conventional caries removal with a low-speed bur with regard to execution time , clinical aspects and radiographic findings .
METHODS	A randomized controlled clinical trial with a split-mouth design was carried out .
METHODS	The sample was composed of 20 children aged four to seven years , in whom 40 deciduous teeth were randomly divided into two groups : chemo-mechanical caries removal with Papacarie and removal of carious dentin with a low-speed bur .
METHODS	Each child underwent both procedures and served as his/her own control .
METHODS	Restorations were performed with glass ionomer cement .
METHODS	The time required to perform the procedure was also analyzed .
METHODS	The patients underwent longitudinal clinical and radiographic follow-up of the restorations .
RESULTS	No statistically significant difference between groups was found regarding the time required to perform the procedures and the radiographic follow up .
RESULTS	Statistically significant differences between groups were found in the clinical evaluation at 6 and 18 months after treatment .
CONCLUSIONS	Papacarie is as effective as the traditional method for the removal of carious dentin on deciduous teeth , but offers the advantages of the preservation of sound dental tissue as well as the avoidance of sharp rotary instruments and local anesthesia .

