Guest Editorial.

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

• Dental caries remains the most common oral disease globally.
• The traditional surgical model of caries management involves drilling and filling, leading to a cycle of repeated restorations.
• This 'restoration cycle' results in progressively larger restorations, more invasive procedures, and eventual need for prostheses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the limitations of the current surgical model for dental caries.
• To advocate for a paradigm shift in caries management.
• To emphasize the importance of identifying and managing etiological factors of dental caries.

Main Methods:

• This study is a critical review of current dental caries management strategies.
• It analyzes the long-term consequences of the traditional 'restoration cycle'.
• It draws parallels with the management of other infectious diseases.

Main Results:

• The conventional drilling and filling approach fails to control the progression of dental caries.
• The 'restoration cycle' leads to cumulative tooth structure loss and increased treatment complexity.
• Failure to address etiological factors ensures the disease's persistence.

Conclusions:

• A fundamental change in dental caries management is necessary.
• Adopting an approach that identifies and manages etiological factors is crucial for disease control.
• Moving beyond the surgical model is essential for long-term oral health outcomes.