Minimal Intervention Dentistry - A New Frontier in Clinical Dentistry

For the past several centuries, the evolution of dentistry has largely focused on the removal of diseased dental tissues, at ever-increasing bur rotation speeds, in the preparation of a cavity whose shape was dictated by the limitations of the current restorative material. Unfortunately, this indiscriminate removal of both decayed & healthy tooth structures was a corollary development. Hence, Recognition, control and elimination of the disease are the prime essentials in modern conservative, Minimal intervention dentistry. In the absence of disease, the concept of 'extension for prevention' is no longer valid so cavity designs should be predicted solely upon the extent of the lesion. The use of different technologies will require extensive retraining of clinical dentists. But it will dramatically alter the way in which dentists diagnose, intervene, treat and manage caries with major benefits to the oral health of their patients. However, the public must also be informed of the benefits of these modern methods of diagnosis, prevention, remineralization, minimal intervention and repair compared with conventional restorative procedures. Patient's long-term biological and fiscal cost.