Minimal intervention dentistry: part 1. From 'compulsive' restorative dentistry to rational therapeutic strategies.

The concept of minimal intervention dentistry is based on all the factors that affect the onset and progression of disease and therefore integrates concepts of prevention, control and treatment. The field of minimal intervention dentistry is wide, including the detection of lesions as early as possible, the identification of risk factors (risk assessment) and the implementation of preventive strategies and health education for the patient. When the effects of the disease are present, in the form of a carious lesion, other therapeutic strategies are required, but in this case the least invasive solutions should be chosen, for example remineralisation, therapeutic sealants and restorative care aimed at conserving the maximum amount of sound tissue. This article aims to enlighten dental practitioners as to the foundations of minimal intervention dentistry in order to help them in the implementation of modern concepts into everyday clinical practice.