Minimally invasive dentistry using sonic and ultra-sonic devices in ultraconservative Class 2 restorations.
OBJECTIVE
Within the context of minimally invasive dentistry this article describes the sonic and ultrasonic cavity preparation techniques and assesses their advantages and disadvantages, clinical difficulties of their use, and offers a statement about these devices.


BACKGROUND
Ultra-conservative Class 2 restorative techniques require the use of devices such as sonic and the new ultrasonic preparation systems. These systems, featuring a series of sonic and new ultra-sonic inserts, allow for the fabrication of preventive preparations on proximal surfaces without injuring the adjacent proximal surface or damaging the marginal ridge.


METHODS
An ultraconservative approach to the restoration of teeth with proximal caries that lack frank occlusal cavitation is facilitated by the use of slot-style cavity preparations created with sonic and ultrasonic instrumentation, and esthetic restorative materials.


CONCLUSIONS
New restorative procedures appear suitable for use in ultraconservative restorative dentistry. More frequent use of these procedures by dental practitioners could prevent the traditional breakdown of the marginal ridge when preparing a Class 2 dental restoration. When cautiously used, these two ultraconservative devices provide alternative operative procedures to treat carious lesions without frank occlusal cavitation and to promote another aspect of preventive dentistry.


CONCLUSIONS
New restorative procedures appear suitable for use in ultraconservative restorative dentistry. More frequent use of these procedures by dental practitioners could prevent the traditional breakdown of the marginal ridge when preparing a Class 2 dental restoration.
Koubi
Stephen
S
Department of Operative Dentistry of the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Mediterranean in Marseille, France. tassery.herve@wanadoo.fr
Tassery
Herve
H
D003737:Dental Cavity Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003762:Dental Instruments; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008434:Matrix Bands; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D013010:Sonication; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy