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Restorative & Materials · single question

Stepwise excavation is used for deep carious lesions to:

  1. Use fluoride only to remineralize deep caries
  2. Remove infected dentin in two stages to avoid pulp exposure
  3. Remove all caries in one visit regardless of pulp proximity
  4. Leave all infected dentin permanently in place
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Correct answer: B. Remove infected dentin in two stages to avoid pulp exposure

STEPWISE EXCAVATION (two-step): Step 1 — remove peripheral infected dentin, leave soft (affected) dentin closest to pulp, place Ca(OH)2/GIC liner + temporary restoration. After 6-12 months: reparative dentin forms. Step 2 — reopen, remove remaining affected dentin now that pulp has retreated.

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