ANAGEMENT OF DENTAL CAVITIES AND THEIR TREATMENT

The management of dental caries has undergone significant evolution in recent years. Contemporary practical strategies now emphasize early detection and prevention, along with diagnostic assessments based on risk indicators and factors.The latest management approaches prioritize the preservation of healthy tooth structure, aligningwith the principles of minimally invasive dentistry. These approaches aim to fulfill multiple objectives, including fostering a preventive mindset, tailoring risk assessments to individual patients, promptly identifying carious lesions, and promoting remineralization of non-cavitated lesions.Recognizing that restorative procedures can compromise tooth structure and potentially perpetuate a cycle of restoration and re-restoration, there's a growing emphasis on employing minimally invasive techniques when intervention is necessary. This involves strategies such as repair, refurbishment, or polishing rather than outright replacement of defective restorations.Moreover, when caries exposes the pulp, there's a shift towards more conservative management options,favoring vital pulp treatments (VPT) like partial or complete pulpotomy over pulpectomy.Despite advancements, many dentists still default to invasive procedures for managing dental caries and pulp conditions. However, transitioning to non-invasive and minimally invasive approaches in routine clinical practice will undoubtedly require time and concerted effort.This article provides an overview of minimally invasive dental caries control and explores various procedures employed in minimally invasive dentistry based on the extent of carious lesions. By presenting this information, readers will be better equipped to detect, diagnose, and treat dental caries in its early stages, as well as when it progresses to dentin, utilizing minimally invasive treatment modalities