Can leaving some decay save the tooth? a trial tests two gentle approaches
NCT ID NCT07765810
First seen Aug 14, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026
Summary
This study compares two conservative methods for treating deep tooth decay that reaches close to the nerve. In one approach, dentists leave softer decayed tissue near the nerve; in the other, they remove more until firmer tissue remains. About 100 patients with deep decay in permanent teeth will receive treatment from supervised dental students. The goal is to see which method better protects the nerve and preserves the tooth, with follow-up checks at 6 and 12 months.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Selective caries removal, either leaving soft dentine or firm/leathery dentine over the pulp, followed by cavity disinfection and adhesive restoration.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help dentists choose a more conservative approach to treating deep decay, reducing the risk of nerve damage and improving tooth preservation.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small study, and results may not apply to all patients. Leaving decay in place carries a small risk of the decay progressing or the nerve becoming irritated.
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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About 100 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Nov 2025
- Expected to finish
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Nov 2029
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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Children (under 18), adults (18 to 64) and older adults (65 and over)
- 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: * Patients in good general health (ASA I or II). * One permanent tooth with a deep carious lesion involving ≥ ¾ of the dentine on bitewing radiograph. * Positive response to cold and/or electric pulp testing. * Bite-wing radiographic evidence of a well-defined radiodense zone between the carious lesion and the pulp. Exclusion Criteria: * Irreversible pulpitis * Need for post and core restoration * Non restorable teeth * Negative response to sensibility testing * Inability to isolate the tooth via rubber dam
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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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Jordan university of science and Technology
Irbid, 3030, Jordan
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.