July 25, 2023

For three years, an expert panel consisting of members from the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs and Science & Research Institute has been systematically analyzing literature and conducting clinical trials regarding carious tissue and caries restoration. That panel has released new clinical practice guidelines on restorative treatments that suggest more conservative approaches to removing carious tissue may decrease the risk of adverse effects. Before these new guidelines, most dentists — including University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) students — were trained to completely remove caries lesions, but this new research shows that no longer has to be the case. “You no longer have to remove all the tooth decay, you just have to remove enough and put in the right restoration materials on top of it,” said UMSOD clinical professor Vineet Dhar, BDS, PhD, the panel’s lead author.

Why the change in technique and process? Learn more.

Depicted: Led by Dr. Vineet Dhar of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, a panel of experts released new guidelines advising a more conservative approach to caries restoration. (Photo courtesy of the American Dental Association)