Dental Caries and Its Management

Abstract

Objectives: In recent years, the management of dental caries has evolved significantly. Caries prevention, early detection, and a diagnosis based on risk indicators and risk factor assessments are the most current practical approaches. Furthermore, as proposed in minimally invasive dentistry, the new management approaches preserve healthy tissue and maintain pulp vitality. This article overviews the latest minimally invasive dental caries management and treatment options. The information will assist the reader in the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of dental caries.

Materials and methods: The PubMed (MEDLINE) search engine was used to gather the most relevant information on dental caries. The search was restricted to five years (May 30, 2018-May 29, 2022), and only English-language studies were accessed. A Boolean search of the PubMed data set was implemented to combine a range of keywords. The following filters were applied: abstract, free full text, full text, clinical trial, randomised control trial, systematic review, meta-analysis, and review. More studies were also obtained by manual searches from Google Scholar and textbooks on dental caries.

Results: By using this process, 683 articles and studies were obtained. The most relevant published studies were chosen and used in the current review. The selected articles are included in the references list. However, the search extended to cover the last five years as our understanding and management of dental caries have changed significantly.

Conclusions: Early detection and diagnosis of caries based on risk indicators and risk factor assessments are effective. Furthermore, minimally invasive restorative techniques are beneficial in managing dental caries and preserving healthy tissue and should be used whenever possible. This new information, knowledge, and materials should encourage professionals to implement this method. Having a strategy and system based on patient-centred care is critical, and our dental responsibilities must prioritise patient-centred care.

Figure 1

Teeth should be cleaned to remove food debris that may conceal dental caries. A carious lesion is covered by food debris in (a), and it is visible after cleaning (b).

Figure 2

A clinical photograph of a white spot lesion on the canine cervical region (the blue arrow).

Figure 3

A schematic representation of histological zones of noncavitated demineralized enamel carious lesion (WSL).

Figure 4

Nonselective caries removal to hard dentine at the periphery (black arrows) (a). Green arrows indicate soft dentine, (b) selective caries removal to firm (affected) dentine overlying the pulpal aspect (red arrows).