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Review
. 2025 Jan 5;17(1):e76929.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.76929. eCollection 2025 Jan.

Advancements in Minimally Invasive Techniques in Pediatric Dentistry: A Review

Abdulrahman M Alqahtani  1 , Yazed D Alshihri  2 , Abdulaziz E Alhumaid  3 , Mohammed M Al Nafaie  4 , Abdullatif A Alnaim  5
Affiliations
Review

Advancements in Minimally Invasive Techniques in Pediatric Dentistry: A Review

Abdulrahman M Alqahtani et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Minimally invasive dentistry (MID) has revolutionized pediatric dental care by emphasizing the preservation of healthy tooth structures, reducing treatment-related trauma, and improving patient compliance. This narrative review explores advancements in MID techniques, including silver diamine fluoride (SDF), resin infiltration, atraumatic restorative treatment (ART), bioactive materials, laser-assisted therapies, and three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies. These approaches prioritize early diagnosis, prevention, and conservative management, aligning with patient-centered and sustainable practices. SDF demonstrates high efficacy in arresting caries progression but presents esthetic challenges due to discoloration. Resin infiltration provides esthetic and noninvasive treatment for white spot lesions, while ART offers cost-effective and child-friendly caries management in resource-limited settings. Bioactive materials support tissue regeneration, and laser technologies enable precise and painless procedures, although their adoption is limited by high costs and training requirements. Emerging tools, such as artificial intelligence and 3D printing, enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment precision. Despite challenges related to cost, operator training, and infrastructure, MID techniques continue to evolve, offering promising solutions for pediatric dental care. Future research should focus on optimizing materials, improving accessibility, and integrating digital technologies to broaden the impact of minimally invasive approaches. This review highlights MID's transformative role in improving oral health outcomes and ensuring sustainable, patient-focused care for children.

Keywords: 3d printing; atraumatic restorative treatment (art); bioactive materials; caries management; laser-assisted therapies; minimally invasive dentistry (mid); noninvasive techniques; pediatric dentistry; resin infiltration; silver diamine fluoride (sdf).

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

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