Dentists study which cavity removal method keeps mouth bacteria healthiest
NCT ID NCT07538089
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at how two ways of cleaning cavities—removing all decayed tissue versus leaving some softer tissue near the nerve—change the types of bacteria left in the tooth. Researchers will take samples from 48 adults with cavities and analyze the DNA of the bacteria. The goal is to find which method better reduces harmful germs while keeping helpful ones, helping dentists choose the best approach for long-term oral health.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could help dentists choose cavity removal methods that better reduce harmful bacteria and preserve healthy ones.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage observational study with only 48 participants. It does not test a treatment, so results may not lead to immediate changes in dental care.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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48 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Feb 2026
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 40 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Permanent molar or premolar teeth with carious lesions located on the occlusal surface and extending no deeper than the middle third of dentin * Individuals with good oral hygiene * Absence of clinical signs or symptoms of periapical pathology * Teeth in occlusion with the opposing dentition * Individuals aged between18-40 years * Individuals who provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Teeth with pulpal exposure or irreversible pulpitis * Presence of periapical pathology * Poor oral hygiene * Patients with systemic conditions affecting oral health or healing * Use of antibiotics within the last 3 months * Pregnant or lactating individuals
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Nuh Naci Yazgan University Faculty of Dentistry
Kayseri, Kocasinan, 38170, Turkey (Türkiye)
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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