Drill and fill to Heal and Seal – A Paradigm in Caries Management

Topic Description :

Drill and fill to Heal and Seal – A Paradigm in Caries Management

Abstract:

Dental caries is the most common cause of tooth destruction in children. So, early detection and management of incipient lesion, which are present in the initial phase most commonly as whitish spots on enamel surface can prevent loss of tooth structure. There are various methods for the management of incipient lesions; the most effective being use of remineralising agents, use of fluorides and antiplaque agents. Management and prevention of these lesion as early as possible justify the role of a Pediatric and Preventive Dentist hence precluding the severe issues that may arise from tooth destruction.

Introduction:

 The early diagnosis and management of carious lesion is the key to the success of the treatments. Different efforts which must be made in order to decrease incidence of caries include identification and monitoring of bacteria, diet analysis and modification, use of topical fluorides and antimicrobial agents with more evidences about various modalities, In 2016, FDI approved a revised version of the Policy Statement on “Minimal Intervention in the Management of Dental Caries” (2002) which recognized that “an operative (‘surgical’) approach should only be used when specifically indicated, e.g., when cavitation is such that the lesion cannot be arrested, or when there are aesthetic or functional requirements”. The aim was to encourage a shift from a restorative approach of dental caries management to the delivery of preventive dental medicine. Yet in spite of this effort, uptake in daily clinical practice so far has been slow. This presentation will help improve our understanding about the use of preventive techniques and newer technologies, and will direct us into different approaches and interventions; overall encouraging fellow ‘Pediatric & Preventive Dentists’ to emphasise more on the latter speciality of our title.

Learning Objectives:

1. Early detection of the disease process
2. Management of incipient caries lesion
3. Decide which types of non-restorative treatments or interventions could be used to arrest or reverse existing non-cavitated lesions in adults and children
4. Emphasising on new preventive techniques over conventional techniques
5. Safety, efficiency, feasibility, and effectiveness of SDF in preventing and arresting caries