When and How to Intervene in the Caries Process

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Cariology
• Preventive Dentistry

Background:

• Caries prevalence has decreased in industrialized nations, shifting therapeutic focus.
• Understanding caries etiology and pathogenesis supports less invasive treatment strategies.
• Caries progression is often slow, questioning early invasive interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the shift towards less invasive caries therapies.
• To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and risk factor identification.
• To promote shared decision-making in caries treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of current caries progression studies.
• Analysis of noninvasive (fluorides) and microinvasive (sealants, infiltration) therapeutic options.
• Discussion of early diagnosis and individual risk assessment.

Main Results:

• Noninvasive treatments focus on controlling pathogenic factors and enhancing protective factors.
• Microinvasive treatments act as diffusion barriers against bacterial acids.
• Early diagnosis and risk assessment are crucial for minimum intervention.

Conclusions:

• Less invasive approaches, including noninvasive and microinvasive treatments, are gaining importance in caries management.
• A minimum intervention strategy requires early diagnosis, risk assessment, and patient involvement.
• Shared decision-making, supported by tools like decision trees, enhances patient understanding and treatment adherence.