Minimally invasive long-term management of direct restorations: the ‘5 rs’

The assessment and operative long-term management of direct restorations is a complex and controversial subject in conservative dentistry. Employing a minimally invasive (MI) approach helps preserve natural tooth structure and maintain endodontic health for as long as possible during the restorative cycle. This paper discusses how minimally invasive techniques may be applied practically to reviewing, resealing, refurbishing, repairing or replacing deteriorating/failed direct coronal restorations (the'5 Rs') and provides an update of contemporary MI clinical procedures. CPD/CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The assessment and long-term clinical management of deteriorating/failing direct restorations is a major component of the general dental practice workload and NHS UK budget expenditure for operative dentistry.