Minimal intervention dentistry - a review - FDI Commission Project 1-97

The concept of minimal intervention dentistry has evolved as a consequence of our increased understanding of the caries process and the development of adhesive restorative materials. it is now recognised that demineralised bu t noncavitated enamel and dentine can be 'healed', and that the surgical ap proach to the treatment of a caries lesion along with 'extension for preven tion' as proposed by G V Black is no longer tenable. This paper gives an ov erview of the concepts of minimal intervention dentistry, describes suggest ed techniques for a minimally invasive operative approach, and reviews clin ical studies which have been carried out in this area.