Comparison of Intraoperative Pain Perception During Caries Excavation Using Smart Burs and Carisolv to Conventional Diamond Burs

The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the amount of pain experienced during removal of dental caries using Smart burs, Carisolv, and conventional diamond burs in adults aged 18-45 years with active caries in asymptomatic mandibular molars. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does the method used for caries removal affect the amount of pain experienced? Is there a difference in pain perception between Smart burs, Carisolv, and conventional diamond burs? Researchers will compare the three treatment groups to see whether pain perception during caries excavation differs between the methods. Participants will: Be randomly assigned to one of three groups: Smart burs, Carisolv, or conventional diamond burs. Undergo caries removal using the assigned method. Rate their pain during the procedure using a 0-10 Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

Inclusion Criteria: * Be male or female. * Be 18-45 years of age. * Have at least one active carious lesion with exposed dentin in an asymptomatic mandibular molar. * Have an ICDAS II Code 5 lesion: a dentinal cavity clearly visible clinically, with the cavity surface feeling soft or leathery on gentle probing. * Have a radiograph showing a clear band of dentin between the carious lesion and the pulp. * Provide written informed consent to participate. Exclusion Criteria: * Symptoms/signs of pulpitis. * Pulp exposure. * Abscess formation, including swelling, redness, or a fistula adjacent to the affected tooth. * Necrotic pulp, indicated by lack of response to cold testing. * Cardiovascular disease. * Diabetes mellitus. * Hypertension. * Severe periodontal disease. * Pregnancy. * Unwillingness or inability to provide informed consent/participate.