A literature review on the diagnosis and non-invasive treatment of small caries lesions

Abstract

Diagnosis and treatment of the caries disease and post-treatment follow-up are interconnected concepts. The aim of the study was to map out the diagnostic methods available for early caries lesions, the existing non-invasive caries treatment, and in what way the follow-ups of these treatments are conducted. The selection of articles was based on a primary search using the PubMed search engine, including search words associated with the topic. The papers which the primary search yielded were put through several exclusion rounds to limit the number and heighten the relevance of the studies to be included. 13 studies were ultimately chosen: 10 clinical studies, 2 systematic reviews and 1 literature review. The results showed that most of the major diagnostics methods used today, when combined, have high sensitivity and specificity for identifying dentin caries. However, they do not have as high specificity and sensitivity for identifying enamel caries. The treatment modalities examined in this study showed promising results, but most of the treatments investigated are in need of more (gap filling) research and long-term follow-ups. The visual tactile method is still the clinician’s most valuable diagnostic tool for identifying caries in general.