Cavity prep

Question 1

what tissue should never be retained

Answer 1

In no clinical situation should caries-infected dentine be retained at the EDJ as this dentine is essentially necrotic and cannot be adhered to

Question 2

when excavating dentine caries overlying the pulp, what considerations must be given to the proximity of the pulp and any pulpal symptoms

Answer 2

consideration must be given to the proximity of the pulp and any pulpal symptoms

Question 3

what should be done when a peripheral seal can be achieved and pulpal symptoms are not present

Answer 3

small quantities of caries affected dentine may be retained overlying the pulp to reduce risk of pulp exposure

Question 4

what should be done if the dentine lesion has only penetrated into the middle third of dentine radiographically

Answer 4

then there will most likely be tertiary dentine and we can remove the carious dentine and reach sound dentine to achieve a better seal

Question 5

what should be done when chronic pulpal symptoms persist along with radiographic changes at the apex

Answer 5

caries excavation needs to be complete, exposing the pulp chamber and its necrotic contents if necessary