This article gives recommendations on when to intervene in the caries process and existing caries lesions by non- or micro-invasive means or invasive/restorative strategies. The activity of the caries lesion, whether there is a cavity, and if it is possible to clean, are main factors to decide intervention level. In-active lesions need no treatment (exception for aesthetic or functional reasons). All active lesions need treatment. Lesions without cavity are best-treated non- or micro-invasively as do lesions that are possible to clean. Lesions with cavity that are impossible to clean, should be treated invasively in order to maintain form, function, and aesthetics. Mixed strategies might be preferable in special cases. On occlusal surfaces, lesions with cavity restricted to enamel and no radiolucency in dentine may be treated non- or micro-invasively. Lesions without visible cavity, but visible on radiographs, most certainly need invasive treatment. On approximale surfaces, it is often difficult to discover small cavities visio-tactile. Use additional BW radiographs. Those visible only in enamel (caries grade 1-2) rarely have cavity. For caries grade 3, it is difficult to decide, but most certainly, there is no cavity. Normally there is enough time to monitor if the caries risk factors are under control. Caries grade 4-5 are most certainly with cavity, and need invasive treatment.

Referance
Når og hvordan griper vi inn i kariesprosessen?
Frode Staxrud
Nor Tannlegeforen Tid. 2021; 131: 802-811