Minimally Invasive Dentistry

Dental caries poses a humongous challenge to humanity in general and dentistry in particular. It is a multi factorial disease caused by a shift from protective factors favouring tooth remineralization to destructive factors leading to tooth demineralization. The surgical approach to the treatment of dental caries was developed a century ago based on the then existent knowledge, materials and technology. This required complete removal of the diseased portions of the teeth and suitable modification of the remaining portion to obtain a viable restoration. Research over the years in both diagnostic techniques and dental material science has enabled a modification of G.V. Black's treatment concept of "Extension for prevention" to "Prevention of extension." This approach is called "Minimally Invasive Dentistry (MID), Minimal Intervention Dentistry or Preservative Dentistry" in alignment with the current practice of 'Minimally invasive' procedures in general health care.