Minimally 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 ¿extension for prevention¿ to ¿minimally invasive.¿ .¿ This concept includes early detection of lesions; individual caries risk assessment; nonsurgical interventions; and a modified surgical approach that includes delayed restoration, smaller tooth preparations with modified cavity designs and adhesive dental materials and repair rather than replacement of failing restorations. The future promises further evolution toward a more primary preventive approach, facilitated by emerging technologies for diagnosis, prevention and treatment. MI has the potential for dentists to apply a more conservative approach to caries treatment and simultaneously offer patients a more friendly and health oriented treatment option.