In selective caries removal, which tissue is intentionally left near the pulp?

• A. Infected dentin
• B. Healthy enamel
• C. Demineralized but non-infected dentin near the pulp
• D. Dentin with bacteria

Answer: (C)

Selective caries removal aims to keep tissue that can still respond to sealing and remineralization while removing tissue that cannot. The tissue left near the pulp is demineralized but non-infected dentin, often called affected dentin. This layer acts as a protective buffer: it reduces the risk of pulp exposure during restoration and can remineralize and harden when properly sealed with adhesive restorations and clinical liners. Infected dentin, which is soft and heavily populated with bacteria, is removed because it cannot recover and would jeopardize pulp health. Enamel is not the tissue near the pulp involved in this approach, and dentin with bacteria would indicate infection that should be eliminated.