Evaluation of the methodologies used in clinical trials and effectiveness of chemo-mechanical caries removal with Carisolv.

This investigation aims to discuss the methodologies applied in clinical trials published about Carisolv, in order to assess the best scientific evidence concerning chemo-mechanical caries removal. Papers concerning the use of Carisolv were sought using a search strategy. The titles and abstracts of all the reports identified through the search were analyzed by a single reviewer. The inclusion criterion involved: clinical trials having Carisolv in one of the study groups. Then, those that fulfilled the inclusion criterion underwent methodology assessment and data extraction. Only 12 papers met the inclusion criterion. It was observed that none of these studies complied with all the evaluated research methodological principles required in order to have power of evidence generation. Carisolv proved to be effective in caries removal. Appointment mean time was greater, but the perceived time was shorter than that using conventional techniques due to patients' perception of more comfort and a reduction of anesthesia needs. There were no adverse effect in long-term assessments. In studies with microbiological evaluation of the remaining dentine, it was observed that both the conventional and chemo-mechanical methods produced statistically significant reduction on counts of viable microorganisms.