RISK-BASED MINIMALLY INVASIVE CARIES MANAGEMENT USING BIOACTIVE RESTORATIVE MATERIALS

Abstract

Dental caries remains a multifactorial and dynamic disease, requiring individualized management strategies based on patient-specific risk profiles. Conventional restorative approaches often focus on operative intervention without adequately addressing caries activity and recurrence risk. Risk-based minimally invasive caries management has emerged as an evidence-based paradigm aimed at preserving tooth structure while controlling disease progression. Bioactive restorative materials, capable of releasing therapeutic ions, offer additional biological benefits that may enhance caries control; however, their effectiveness within a risk-based clinical framework remains insufficiently explored.