In chemomechanical caries removal with Carisolv, which components are used?

• A. Sodium hypochlorite with amino acids; chemomechanical caries removal mechanism.
• B. Papain-based gel only.
• C. Hydrogen peroxide with fluoride.
• D. Titanium oxide with silane.

Answer: (A)

Carisolv works by softening infected dentin with a chemical agent so it can be removed with gentle excavation. The active components are sodium hypochlorite combined with amino acids. The sodium hypochlorite provides the oxidative action that breaks down the organic, necrotic dentin, while the amino acids help modulate this reaction and improve selective softening of infected tissue without unnecessarily harming healthy dentin. This combination creates a chemomechanical approach: the gel weakens the decay, and a hand instrument finishes the removal.

This is different from a papain-based gel, which relies on enzymatic digestion rather than oxidation; hydrogen peroxide with fluoride is not used in this system; and titanium oxide with silane is not part of this caries removal method.