Dental Anxiety Associated With Chemo-Mechanical Caries Removal Method, Conventional Method And Atraumatic Restorative Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Throughout the years, many invasive methods have been developed for the removal of caries. The advancements in dentistry have made it possible to conserve the maximum amount of tooth structure possible. Individuals with high dental anxiety are often unable to utilise standard dental health services and often leads to reduced oral health-related quality of life. In light of new chemo-mechanical agents available commercially, it is important to assess their clinical efficacy and anxiety associated with them. This study aims to evaluate the anxiety levels before and after caries removal by chemo-mechanical caries removal agent, atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) and conventional methods (Rotary handpiece). This randomized controlled trial will be conducted to assess anxiety before and after caries removal by a chemo-mechanical caries removal agent (V-Carie-Solve), atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) and conventional methods (Rotary handpiece) among 30 children aged 6-14 years, divided into 3 groups (n=10 per group) based on the parameters of degree of caries removal, time for caries removal and dental anxiety experienced before and after intervention. Degree of caries removal will be assessed with a caries dye (Prevest Reveal) and time per procedure will be recorded using a stopwatch. Dental anxiety will be assessed using Facial Image Scale (FIS) before and after treatment. The data obtained will be entered into an excel sheet and appropriate statistical analysis would be carried out using SPSS v.26.