Use of papain gel in disabled patients.
OBJECTIVE
This study's purpose was to evaluate complete caries removal time (CCR) and patient acceptance of the chemomechanical caries removal agent and papain gel Papacárie in disabled patients.


METHODS
Fifty-one consecutive patients entered a prospective, controlled, randomized, open study. Patients were divided into 2 groups: (1) group 1=28 children 3 to 10 years old with or without visual or hearing impairments, motor disability on upper limbs, and inability to respond to simple orders; and (2) group 2=23 children, without visual or hearing impairments, with motor disability on the upper limbs and the ability to respond to simple orders. CCR time was measured in both groups. Patients' acceptance was assessed only in group 2 by using the visual analogy of face scale. The visual scale was presented in phase A--after the radiography with the child sitting on the dental chair before the beginning of the treatment, phase B--during the treatment, after total removal of the carious tissue and phase C--after the restoration was complete (treatment was finished).


RESULTS
The total CCR average time was 8 minutes for each tooth when groups 1 and 2 were considered. Group 2 patients' acceptance in the first treatment was not statistically significant in all stages.


CONCLUSIONS
Papacárie gel had a completed caries removal time of 8 minutes per tooth and is well accepted by the patients in all phases and in the first and subsequent visits.
Carrillo
C M
CM
Dentistry section of the Disabled Children Assistance Association of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. mila_merida@yahoo.com.br
Tanaka
M H
MH
Cesar
M F
MF
Camargo
M A F
MA
Juliano
Y
Y
Novo
N F
NF
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003730:Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities / Q000379:methods*; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000628:therapy*; D003737:Dental Cavity Preparation / Q000379:methods*; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000379:methods; D005149:Facial Expression; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010206:Papain / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D005782:Gels; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements; C509557:Papacarie; D010206:Papain