[Must caries be completely removed?]

Changes in restorative techniques and the development of new restorative materials have allowed the use of more conservative cavity preparations. Important questions are: What are the consequences of incomplete removal of caries-affected dentin? What are the bond strengths of adhesives to demineralized enamel and dentin? The non-invasive management of carious lesions with intact tooth surfaces in a manner that will bring about some remineralization offers a viable and superior alternative to conventional restorations. The bond strengths of adhesives to demineralized enamel seem to be similar to that on normal enamel. None of the modern filling technologies can guarantee the arrest of the carious process. The complete removal of the infected dentin is, however, still necessary irrespective of the restorative material used.