Less drilling, same tooth saving? new trial tests gentler cavity care for teens

NCT ID NCT06944028

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compares two ways to treat deep cavities in young permanent teeth without exposing the nerve. In selective excavation, the dentist removes only the outer decay and seals the tooth. In stepwise excavation, they place a temporary filling first and remove more decay a few months later. The goal is to keep the tooth alive and avoid root canals. About 666 children and teens aged 8-19 are taking part, with results tracked for up to 3 years.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Selective or stepwise excavation (dental procedure)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could show that a less invasive cavity treatment works as well as a two-step approach, helping dentists save more young teeth from root canals or extraction.

What could go wrong

This is a mid-sized trial with 1-3 year follow-up, so long-term results are unknown. The procedures may still fail and require more invasive treatment later.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

dental caries

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Folktandvården Stockholm

    RECRUITING

    Stockholm, Sweden

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact