This document discusses various techniques and materials for minimal intervention dentistry and remineralization. It describes the Atraumatic Restorative Technique (ART) which removes decay using hand instruments and restores cavities with adhesive materials. Glass ionomer cements are effective restorative materials for ART due to their fluoride release and adhesion properties. Remineralization involves rebuilding demineralized tooth structure using agents like fluoride and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) which provide calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions to remineralize enamel. Newer remineralizing systems and delivery methods like dentifrices, sealants, and restorative materials are also discussed.

1. MINIMAL INTERVENTION DENTISTRY
MINIMUM
INTERVENTION
ART
REMINERALISATION
SMART BURS
RECENT ADVANCES
MAXIMUM
INTERCEPTION

2. CONTENTS
Introduction
ART
Remineralization
Remineralizing agent
Fluoride
Newer enamel remineralizing systems
Dispensing method
Smart bur

3. Introduction
Minimal Intervention Dentistry describes
contemporary ultraconservative operative
management of cavitated lesions requiring surgical
intervention.
It does not mean unduly early operative intervention of
incipient lesions, which in most cases is unnecessary as
more effective and appropriate non-invasive preventive
approaches exist.

4. ATRAUMATIC RESTORATIVE TECHNIQUE(ART)
ART is an innovative, largely painfree,
minimal intervention approach for
treating caries teeth, particularly in
countries where highly trained
dental personnel and the electricity
needed for clinical equipment are
not readily available or affordable
The Atraumatic restorative
treatment is a procedure based on
removing carious tooth tissues using
hand instruments alone and
restoring the cavity with an adhesive
restorative material.
Developed in Tanzania in the mid-
1980s.ART is launched by the World
Health Organization on 7th April,
1994 (world health day).

5. Principles of ART
Removing carious tooth tissues using hand
instruments only
Restoring the cavity with a restorative material that
sticks to the tooth.

6. Use of GIC in ART
Properties such as fluoride release, chemical bonding to the tooth
structure, biocompatibility and applicability in clinical situations, make
them the most appropriate materials for the ART approach.
Data suggest excellent results at a 1-year evaluation of ART restorations,
where a survival rate of 93% was found for one-surface fillings.
Evaluation after 2 and 3 years have been shown success rates of 89% and
85%.
Med Principles Pract 2002;11(suppl 1):44–47

7. According to a study
comparing the
antibacterial activity
of four glass
ionomer cements
used in ART
Fuji IX demonstrate
the greatest inhibitory
activity for
Streptococcus mutans
while Ketac Molar and
Fuji IX are statistically
effective against
Streptococcus sobrinus
and Lactobacillus
acidophilus.
Ketac molar also has greatest
inhibiting halo against
Actinomyces viscosus
• High strength conventional
GIC Fuji IX and Ketac Molar
present high P/L ratios that
improve their mechanical
properties for restorations in
posterior teeth making these
materials specially marked
for ART
J Mater Sci: Mater Med (2007) 18:1859–
1862

8. It was demonstrated that experimental GICs
containing CHX are effective in inhibiting bacteria
associated with caries, and incorporation of 1% CHX
diacetate is optimal to give appropriate physical and
bonding properties.
RMGI exhibit better clinical performance than GIC in
ART, except for marginal discoloration. RMGI can be
an alternative material to the GIC.
Med Princ Pract 2005;14:277–280
Dental Materials (2006) 22, 647–652

9. Composites
The effective bonding of
resin to enamel is a key
factor in the selection of
this material in MID
In mechanical sense, the
heavily filled resin-based
composites with smaller
filler particles can
compete more or less
with dental amalgam.
Greatest features are their
aesthetics and presumed
ease of application.

10. 10
Main limitations
are Micro-leakage, polymerization
shrinkage and strength

11. • Although no ‘magic bullet’ to solve all
problems related to dental caries ART is a
combined preventive and curative oral
care procedure which must be
administered along with health promoting
messages about a prudent diet , good oral
hygiene, use of fluoride toothpaste and
sealant application.

12. REMINERALIZATION
Remineralization is defined as the process whereby calcium and phosphate
ions are supplied from a source external to the tooth to promote ion
deposition into crystal voids in demineralized enamel to produce net mineral
gain
Remineralization of dental lesions requires the presence of partially
demineralized crystals that can grow to their original size when they are
exposed to fluid that is supersaturated with respect to hydroxyapatite
minerals.
• Cochrane NJ, CaiF, Huq NL, Burrow MF, Reynolds EC. New approach to enhance
remineralization of tooth enamel. J Dent Res 2010;89:1187-97.]

13. Dynamic process of demineralization and
remineralization
The oral cavity is a battle field of activities of
demineralisation and remineralization.
The ratio between two process is crucial in
determining the hardness and strength of the
tooth structure.

15. DEMINERALISATION

16. REMINERALISATION

17. Requirements for remineralization process…..
In fact, for remineralization to proceed, six conditions
or events must occur at the same time.
Sufficient mineral must
be present in the saliva
The carbonic acid
molecule must be
produced in proximity to
a mineral molecule,
which it then dissolves
into its ionic
components.
The carbonic acid must
convert to carbon dioxide
and water before any of
the above circumstances
change!
That spot of the tooth
has to be clean, so that
the mineral-deficient
spot is accessible.
A molecule of carbonic
acid must be produced
This all has to occur in
proximity to a
demineralized spot in
the hydroxyapatite
latticework that requires
that exact mineral ion.
Int J Dent Case Reports 2011; 1(2): 73-84

18. REMINERALISING AGENTS
Fluorides
Calcium
phosphate
based
Calcium
Sucrose
Phosphate
Sugar
Substitutes
Hydroxyapatite

19. Requirements of an ideal remineralization
material
Diffuses into the
subsurface or delivers
calcium and
phosphate into the
subsurface
Works at an acidic pH
Does not deliver an
excess of calcium
Works in xerostomic
patients
Does not favour
calculus formation
Boosts the
remineralizing
properties of saliva.
For novel materials,
shows a benefit over
fluoride

20. FLUORIDES
The prevention of caries in children is at the
forefront of public health strategies
Fluoride is a major player in the slowing, arrest
and even reversal of dental caries progression.

21. Mechanism by which fluoride
increases caries resistance
Increased
enamel
resistance , rate
of maturation,
surface energy
Remineralization
of incipient
lesions
Interference with
microorganisms
&
Improved tooth
morphology
Int J Dent Case Reports 2011; 1(2): 73-84

22. Fluoride : Gateway to oral cavity
Personal applications (eg, dentifrices, rinses)
Professional applications (eg, varnishes, foams,
gels, fluoride releasing restorative materials
Fluoride levels of about 3 parts per million (ppm) in
the enamel are required to shift the balance from net
demineralization to net remineralization

23. COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE FORMS OF FLUORIDE

24. Reasons to seek alternatives to fluorides
Fluoride is highly effective
on smooth-surface caries;
its effect would seem to be
more limited on pit and
fissure caries
Although fluoride presents
no problems when used
properly, among certain
parts of the world, there has
been the suggestion that
fluoride exposure should be
limited
A high-fluoride strategy
cannot be followed to avoid
the potential for adverse
effects (e.g., fluorosis) due
to overexposure to fluoride

25. Newer Technologies for Enamel
Remineralizing Systems
Crystalline Calcium Phosphate Remineralizing
Systems
Unstabilized Amorphous Calcium Phosphate
Systems
Stabilized Amorphous Calcium Phosphate Systems
Calcium-phosphate-based delivery systems containing high concentrations of
calcium phosphate have been developed.

26. Crystalline Calcium Phosphate
Remineralizing Systems
Calcium phosphate can exist in one of numerous crystalline phases
Problem :poor solubility of the calcium phosphate phases, such that
the calcium and phosphate ions are unavailable for remineralization
These crystalline calcium phosphate phases must be released from the
product on contact with saliva and then dissolve in that fluid to
liberate ions capable of diffusing into the enamel subsurface lesion.

27. Unstabilized Amorphous Calcium Phosphate
Systems
a calcium salt (e.g., calcium sulphate) and a phosphate salt (e.g.
potassium phosphate) are delivered separately intra-orally or
delivered in a product with a low water activity.
As the salts mix with saliva, they dissolve, releasing calcium and
phosphate ions.
The mixing of calcium ions with phosphate ions to produce an ion
activity product for amorphous calcium phosphate that exceeds its
solubility product results in the immediate precipitation of ACP or, in
the presence of fluoride ions, ACFP.

28. Stabilized Amorphous Calcium Phosphate
Systems
A biomimetic remineralization system
Biological fluids containing high concentrations of calcium and
phosphate ions contain inhibitory ions such as
pyrophosphate and proteins to ensure stabilization.
These stabilizing proteins include the caseins in milk and
statherin in saliva.

29. Casein phosphopeptide
amorphous calcium phosphate Technology
(CPP-ACP).
Uses casein
phosphopeptides
(CPP) to stabilise
calcium and phosphate
(and fluoride) ions at
high concentrations as
Amorphous
nanocomplexes
designated CPP
amorphous calcium
phosphate.
Proposed mechanism:
localisation and supply
of calcium, phosphate
and fluoride ions in
the correct molar ratio
at the tooth surface by
the CPP to drive
diffusion of the ions
into the subsurface
enamel.
prevents their
spontaneous
transformation at the
enamel surface.
The increase in the
concentration of the
ions in the lesion fluid
results in the
formation of
hydroxyapatite or
fluorapatite via crystal
growth.
Caries Res 2008;42:88–97

30. 30
Recaldent - Dental chewing gum containing
CPP-ACP.
GC TOOTH MOUSSE - Dentifrice
containing CPP-ACP.

31. EnamelonTM technology - Based on
unstabilized ACP, where a calcium salt (e.g.,
calcium sulphate) and a phosphate salt (e.g.,
ammonium phosphate) are delivered separately
intraorally.
NovaMinTM technology - Based on
Calcium Sodium Phosphosilicate
Bioactive glass which is claimed to
release calcium and phosphate ions
intra-orally to help the self-repair process
of teeth.
Australian Dental Journal 2008; 53: 268–273

32. Clinpro Tooth CrèmeTM
commercially available
organically modified
tricalcium phosphate which
can coexist
with fluoride in aqueous
environment
During brushing,
this toothpaste contacts saliva
and thereby calcium,
phosphate and fluoride ions
become readily available to
tooth thus preventing
demineralization
International Journal of Pharm. Tech Research. 6(2), Apr-Jun 2014,487-493. ]

33. Anticay: calcium sucrose phosphate
Mixture of calcium sucrose mono and diphosphate, disucrose
monophosphate,
Inorganic calcium phosphate (11% w/w calcium and 7.6% w/w inorganic
phosphate)
Products formulated with active ingredient
Anticay: prevention of sensitivity; reduction
in bleeding and gingivitis, whitening and erosion.
enhancement of remineralization
Chinese journal of dental research ,vol 17,no.1,2014

34. Hydroxyapatite
Carbonate hydroxyapatite nanocrystals,
having size, morphology, chemical
composition, and crystallinity comparable
to that of dentin
Concentration of 10% nanohydroxyapatite is
optimal for remineralization of early enamel
caries
They can effectively penetrate the dentin tubules and
obturate them and can cause closure of the tubular
openings of the dentin with plugs within 10 minutes as
well as a regeneration of a surface mineral layer
Biomed Mater. 2009;4(3):34104.

35. Dispensing methods
Commonly used vehicles are dentifrices, pit-
and-fissure sealants, chewing gums, rinses and
restorative materials

36. Dentifrices
One of the most
practical methods
for delivering
remineralizing
agents.
Burwell and Muscle
found that CPP-
ACP provided
sustained condition
for
remineralization
when used in a
dentifrice
J Contemp Dent Pract. 2007;8(7):1-10.]
Dentrifices

37. Pit and fissure
sealant
Available sealants are
either resin-based or
glass-ionomer-based.
Since resin-based
sealants do not
provide fluoride
release, glass-
ionomer sealants are
more effective for
caries prevention.
The addition of
fluorides and CCP-
ACP can further
enhance
remineralization
Inside Dentistry.2009;5(4):78-80

38. Pastes Rinses
and Dental
Floss
 .
Pastes used for
remineralization contain
calcium- and phosphate
realeasing components (eg,
CCP-ACP) with or without
fluoride.
Commercial pastes
containing CPP are
designed for professional
application as well as
professionally supervised
home application.
They can be applied via
prophy cup, custom tray,
toothbrush,
or fingertip.
J Dent Hyg. 2008;82(2):19].

39. Chewing gums
Numerous studies have demonstrated the
caries-preventing qualities of frequent use of chewing
gum sweetened by dietary sugar alcohols such as
xylitol and sorbitol.
Chewing gum, particularly sugar-free gum, may offer a
valuable adjunct to a caries prevention and
remineralization program.
Chewing gums

40. In a trial, Manton et al showed that a sugar-free gum containing xylitol produces
superior remineralization.
[Int J Paediatr Dent. 2008;18(4):284-290.]
Sorbitol is another sugar substitute that is used as an artificial sweetener.
Isomalt is a noncariogenic sweetener that is widely used as a sugar
substitute. Adding isomalt to a demineralizing solution has shown to
significantly reduce tooth mineral loss.
[Clin Oral Investig. 2008;12(2):173-177.]

41. Restorative materials
Glass Ionomers
Compomers
Giomers

42. Glass ionomers
Glass ionomer cement is a water based material that
hardens following an acid base reaction between basic
fluoroaluminosilicate glass and an aqueous solution of
polyacids.
Salivary fluoride concentration is found to remain elevated for up
to 1 year after placement of GIC restorations (0.3 ppm after
placement and 0.04 ppm 1 year later)

43. Certain studies reported a “burst” of fluoride release, with
high early release for 1 to 2 days, followed by a rapid decline
The fluoride release must be maintained to about 2 to 3
μg/mL/day for effective remineralization, and this can be
achieved by fluoride recharge
Am J. Dent, 13,2000, 201-204

44. Compomers
Compomers
contain polyacid-
modified
monomers with
fluoride-releasing
silicate glasses and
are formulated
without water.
Used for
restorations in low
stress-bearing areas
and
for patients at
medium risk of
developing caries,
or when using
the sandwich
technique
Release fluoride by
a mechanism
similar to that of
glass and hybrid
ionomers but the
amount of fluoride
release and
its duration are less
than those of glass
and hybrid
ionomers.
J Can Dent Assoc. 1999;65(9):500-504.

45. Giomers
Anhydrous resin-based restoratives that utilizes prereacted glass
ionomer technology (PRG).Incorporate fillers that are produced
from the complete or partial reaction of ion-leachable glasses with
polyalkenoic acid
E.g. Beautifil (Shofu); Reactmer paste (Shofu).
• J Am Dent Assoc. 2007;138(5):621-627.
While giomer released fluoride, it did not have an initial “burst”
type of release like glass ionomers. Their long term release of
fluoride is lower than that of the other materials.

46. POLYMER BUR ( SMART BUR)
One innovative approach for
answering the lingering
questions about precision caries
removal is a new bur system (SS
White
SmartPrep™ Instrument).
Smartprep instrument in a
range of sizes (equivalent to
round burs nos. 2, 4 and 6)

47. The Smartprep Instrument is used in a slow speed
handpiece (500-800 rpm) to complete caries
removal.
Are single-patient-use rotary instruments.
Carious tissue is removed with circular movements
starting from the center to the periphery

48. DISADVANTAGES of POLYMER BUR or SMART BUR
Polymer bur left large amount of decayed tissue unexcavated
(underprepation)
Technique sensitive (the Smart Prep can be readily defeated by the
dumb operator).
The burs disintegrate when they touch enamel or even sound dentin
Potentially expensive.

49. With the progress in understanding
the caries process, the MI Concept
has evolved as a proposal for
dentistry in the 21st century.
.