Management of the pre-cavitation lesion

ABSTRACT

Preventive measures against dental caries are so successful today In certain countries and regions within countries, that the need for operative intervention has decreased and the primary responsibility of preventing dental caries and managing early lesions has been assigned to the patient. The dentist should only Intervene with restorative treatment when specific criteria, Including some of those listed In this paper, have been satisfied. In the Interest of conservation of tooth structures, the preventive dentistry restoration - the preventive resin restoration [PRR], [composite resin-sealant concept] or the glass lonomer/composite resin laminate [the so called 'sandwich" or 'double-laminated" technique] should be considered as an alternative to traditional Class I amalgam restorations. The PRR or sandwich technique concept can be used when the carious lesion Is judged to be deeper Into the dentin than is appropriate for management by fissure sealant alone, especially if no restoration exists in the tooth surface In question