Partial caries removal differs from complete caries removal in that:

• A. Partial removal leaves no caries behind.
• B. Partial removal selectively removes caries but leaves demineralized dentin near the pulp to minimize pulp exposure.
• C. Partial removal is the same as complete removal.
• D. Partial removal uses antibiotics as adjunct.

Answer: (B)

Partial caries removal is about conservatively removing only the infected, soft dentin while leaving the demineralized dentin near the pulp intact to avoid exposure. This approach aims to preserve tooth structure and pulp vitality, with the expectation that the remaining dentin can remineralize under a proper seal and be managed with a definitive restoration later if needed. The best description is that caries are selectively removed, but a layer of demineralized dentin adjacent to the pulp is left behind to minimize the risk of pulp exposure.

The other ideas don’t fit this approach: removing all caries completely isn’t what partial removal does, and using antibiotics isn’t a standard part of the technique.