Comparative evaluation of class 1 cavity preparation using magnified mouth mirror, loupes and conventional mouth mirror: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Over the past few decades, technological advances in endodontics have been quantum leaps from direct vision to magnification. Despite the growing body of evidence suggesting that the of magnification improves visual acuity, the dentist’s posture and the quality of dental procedures. In dentistry, loupes and operating microscopes have become part of the normal equipment of many dentists. They improve near visual acuity and help to compensate for visual deficiencies. The prime treatment objective for carious teeth requiring operative intervention is complete removal of infected dentin followed by placement of a well-sealed, long-lasting restoration. Tactile and visual criteria are normally used to render a cavity caries-free, and the idea of a diagnostic aid that would differentiate infected dentin was considered desirable.  Hence the present study intends to evaluate the magnified mouth mirror, magnification loupes in removal of carious dentin in class I cavity preparation.

 Aim: This study aimed to assess the impact of magnified mouth mirror and magnification loupes on vision and quality of cavity preparation on primary molars.

Objective: To evaluate the quality of class 1 cavity preparation in children aged between 7 to 12 years using magnification loupes, magnified mouth mirror and conventional mouth mirror.

The randomized clinical trial was carried out in the Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry,

Narayana Dental College and hospital, Nellore. The informed consent was obtained from the parents of the children who participated in the study.

A sample of 45 healthy children aged 7-12 years with 45 primary molar teeth showing dentinal caries requiring class I restoration will be selected and divided into three groups (15 in each group) using simple randomization. Group 1 : Caries removed using magnification loupes; Group 2: Caries removed using magnified mouth mirror; Group 3: Caries removes using conventional mouth mirror. X-ray will be taken to fulfil all inclusion criteria and to exclude caries in proximal surfaces. After caries excavation using a handpiece and hand instruments, The cavity preparation was considered as caries-free when a hard cavity floor was felt upon gentle pressure with a dental explorer that did not stick in the dentin. The dye was applied for 10 seconds and was rinsed off with sterile saline. The efficacy was graded from 0 to 5 by the co-investigator using the criteria proposed by Ericson et al. pictures of the tooth stained by residual caries will be taken using macro lens attached to android mobile phone. Finally, the data will be analyzed statistically to determine the variations between the three group.