Summary – What is the Central Stop Zone (CSZ)?

The Central Stop Zone (CSZ) is the area inside of the Peripheral Seal Zone (PSZ). It is the area over the pulp, encircled by the PSZ, where partial caries and crack removal is indicated in order to avoid pulp exposure.

Clinical photograph of an example of Caries Removal Endpoints being measured.
Fig 1. Measuring Caries Removal Endpoints and Crack Removal Endpoints clinically. Note that complete caries and crack removal is being carried out in the PSZ, whereas Caries Detector Dye is still staining areas within the CSZ. In this area, partial caries/crack removal is indicated in order to avoid pulp exposure.
Photo Credit: Dr John Weselake

Learn More…

To learn more about the Central Stop Zone in relation to Caries Removal Endpoints (CRE) and Crack Removal Endpoints (CrRE), see Lesson 1 and Lesson 2 and of the Six Lessons Approach to Biomimetic Dentistry below.