Conservative cavity preparations

When a caries lesion is detected, non-surgical means of treatment (fluorides, antimicrobials, and patient education) should be used unless it is a frank caries lesion. In that case, the lesion should be treated restoratively, but the patient should also be educated and treated to reduce caries risk. When the frank caries lesion is relatively small, the restorative treatment should simply involve removal of carious dentin and overlying unsupported enamel and placement of the restorative material. Of course, for weakened areas of the tooth, more extensive restorations may be indicated.