[Minimally invasive caries treatment]

Abstract

The development of minimally invasive caries treatment has dramatically changed dentistry. Instead of traditional, often invasive methods that resulted in significant loss of healthy dental tissue, this approach focuses on preserving the vitality of the pulp and minimizing tissue loss by delaying and scaling back restorative treatments. This involves the use of modern methods, with selective caries removal with or without indirect (pulp) capping being the norm for treating extensive lesions. The philosophy of minimal intervention goes beyond treatment choices to include a holistic approach from diagnosis to follow-up care, emphasizing personalized care based on risk profiles. This paradigm shift has greatly improved the standard of care, but continued attention to the risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment is necessary to ensure optimal oral health.