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Biomimetic Dentistry Glossary

Caries Removal Endpoints (CRE)

A key term of biomimetic restorative dentistry, clearly defined. Part of The Hybrid Layer's free reference glossary.

Glossary term Free to read

Summary – What are Caries Removal Endpoints (CRE)?

Caries Removal Endpoints (CRE) are used in order to avoid pulp exposure during caries removal. Complete caries removal is carried out in the Peripheral Seal Zone (PSZ), followed by partial caries removal over the pulp using the measurements below. Even if Caries Detector Dye is staining in these areas, caries removal is halted.

Caries Removal Endpoints can be measured using a periodontal probe angled along the long axis of the tooth:

  • Horizontally – 3 mm measured interproximally from the adjacent tooth’s marginal ridge.
  • Vertically – 5 mm measured occlusally from the cavo-margin.
Photo illustrating Caries Removal Endpoints
Fig 1. Demonstration of the measurement of Caries Removal Endpoints (CRE).
Photo Credit: Dr Andres Celi

Learn More…

To learn more about Caries Removal Endpoints in relation to the Peripheral Seal Zone (PSZ) and use of Caries Detector Dye (CDD), see Lesson 1 of the Six Lessons Approach to Biomimetic Dentistry below.

Lesson 1 – Diagnosis And Treatment Of Caries
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See CRE in practice

Three lectures that put Caries Removal Endpoints in context: the Six Lessons framework they come from, caries detector dye on real cases, and vital pulp therapy for the deep lesions they help protect.

The Six Lessons Approach to Biomimetic Restorative Dentistry — Dr Davey Alleman & Dr David Alleman How to Use Caries Detector Dye and Create a Biobase — Dr Nowais Awan Contemporary Vital Pulp Therapy — Dr Ryan Soden

Every lecture is included with All-Access membership. View the full library

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