Table 1: Techniques and materials used for caries removal, surface treatment of cavities and subsequent restoration

Group	Cavity preparation	Surface treatment	Restoration
1	Apacaries gel (apply for 40 seconds, followed by gentle excavation)	10% polyacrylic acid (20 seconds application before rinsing with water)	Glass ionomer (Fuji IX GP, GC Corp., Japan)
2	ART using a spoon excavator (Hu-Friedy, USA)	10% polyacrylic acid (20 seconds application and rinse with water)	Glass ionomer (Fuji IX GP, GC Corp., Japan)
3	Er:YAG laser (Fotona, R02-C, Slovenia, 260 mJ, 30 Hz)	10% polyacrylic acid (20 seconds application and rinse with water)	Glass ionomer (Fuji IX GP, GC Corp., Japan)