Abstract

The importance of risk assessment in minimum invasive dentistry

Author(s): Alalili Hayat

Many protocol/designs have been developed to help practitioners/teams to establishproper dental practice including assessment, diagnosis and care plans. Various studies showed the intimate connection between MI (minimal intervention) and CRA (caries risk assessment) in determination of appropriate intervention (non-invasive/ invasive l as well as the follow up construction study. Although still there is lack of sufficient clear-cut validation of proposal protocol/design.International Caries Classification and Management System is a health outcomes focused system that aims to maintain health and preserve tooth structure. In practice this involves moving the focus away from the surgical restoration of teeth allowing the clinician and patient to achieve optimal disease control by employing the four core principles of MID. These are: (a) Detection – early identification and assessment of potential caries risk factors through anamnesis, lifestyle analysis, clinical examination and diagnostic tests; (b) Prevention/control – to eliminate or minimise disease risk factors by helping to alter lifestyle behaviour and professional preventive interventions; (c) Minimally invasive (MI) restoration – when cavitation is present and operative intervention is required, selective MI caries removal and restoration carried out to maximise the repair potential of the tooth and preserve tooth structure and pulp sensibility; and (d) Recall – with patient-focused/appropriate intervals, monitoring to maintain oral health where treatment and patient behavioural adherence outcomes can be reviewed.