Benefits in Cost and Reduced Discomfort of New Techniques of Minimally Invasive Cavity Treatment

Abstract

The concept of minimally invasive dentistry is appealing to more and more dentists. Patients share this enthusiasm. Three basic principles underlie minimally invasive dentistry: prevention of dental caries, less intrusive treatment for early lesions, and conservation of tissue when deeper lesions are restored. Together, these principles improve patient well-being by prolonging the life of teeth and by reducing the need for uncomfortable and costly dental treatments. Several minimally invasive techniques are already part of normal clinical practice. Caries prevention is now routinely improved by exposure of dental enamel to fluoride, the sealing of pits and fissures, and teaching of adequate oral hygiene (NHS, 1999; FDI policy statement, 2002). Current treatment of early enamel lesions combines topical application of fluoride to promote remineralization, encouraging habits of oral hygiene, the use of chlorhexidine to reduce the number of cariogenic bacteria, and the use of enamel pastes to rebuild enamel (FDI policy statement, 2002). The conservation of tissue during the restoration of caries lesions, the third aspect of minimally invasive dentistry, has proven to be more challenging. We shall describe tools and materials now available to treat deeper caries lesions, and highlight areas where further development and testing is needed. Inevitably, there are obstacles that we identify. But, thanks to several research groups, the problems are disappearing. It seems entirely practical to overcome remaining difficulties. We hope we can motivate efforts to address the remaining hurdles, so all can benefit from the reduced cost and discomfort of minimally invasive techniques. Tissue conservation during restoration, as currently perceived, makes use of adhesive filling materials, rather than.