MINIMAL INVASIVE DENTISTRY

With the development of new dental restorative materials and advances in adhesive dentistry a better understanding of the caries process and the tooth’s potential for remineralization and changes in caries prevalence and progression the management of dental caries has evolved from G.V Black’s (1908) “extension for prevention” to “minimally invasive”. This concept includes early detection of lesions; individual caries risk assessment; non-surgical interventions and a modified surgical approach that includes delayed restoration Smaller tooth preparation with modified cavity designs and adhesive dental materials and repair rather than replacement of failing restorations. The goal is preservation of natural tooth structure.