Minimally invasive dentistry using sonic and ultra-sonic devices in ultraconservative Class 2 restorations.

AIM 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. REVIEW 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. SUMMARY 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. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE 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.