The Prognostic Impact of Symptoms and Lesion Depth in Partial Removal of Carious Tissue

Inclusion Criteria: * the patient is communicating in the Finnish or English language * a deep primary or secondary carious lesion in 1st or 2nd premolar or molar on occlusal or proximal surface, extending to the deepest quarter of dentine assessed from the radiograph * asymptomatic or symptoms not more severe than reversible pulpitis (mild pulpitis according to the new pulpitis classification proposal) * pulp responding to the electric pulp testing and cold testing * the periodontal stage of the tooth should be I or II. In case the patient has several teeth fulfilling the inclusion criteria, the one with the deepest lesion and/or most severe symptoms is chosen to the study. Exclusion Criteria: * general medical condition which makes the patient more susceptible to odontogenic infection complications * pregnancy, breastfeeding * mental retardation, memory disorder * the carious lesion is extending to more than three surfaces or to both proximal surfaces * the tooth has previous other filling(s): i) extending deeper than to the outer third of dentine; or ii) the filling is larger than Class I or II; or iii) Class II filling is not restricted to enamel; or iv) the filling has secondary/residual caries * the tooth is not restorable * periapical changes in the periapical radiograph * sensitivity to percussion; swelling; sinus tract; increased mobility; resorption * furcal lesion more severe than Class I * ongoing orthodontic treatment * declining to sign the written consent.