What It Is
Minimally Invasive Dentistry (MID) focuses on preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible, using gentle, low-pain techniques to treat cavities and prevent their progression.
This approach is ideal for:
- Children
- Anxious or special needs patients
- Low-resource settings
- Those avoiding drills or anesthesia
- It emphasizes prevention, early detection, and non-invasive or micro-invasive treatments.
ART – Atraumatic Restorative Treatment
What It Is
ART is a technique that removes decay with hand tools only (no drills) and fills the cavity with glass ionomer cement, which releases fluoride and bonds to the tooth.
How It’s Used
- Decay is removed gently using hand instruments.
- Tooth is cleaned, and no anaesthesia is typically needed.
- Glass ionomer material is placed in the cavity.
- It hardens quickly, sealing the area and helping prevent further decay.
Why It’s Used
- To treat cavities in a pain-free, non-threatening way
- Perfect for young children or fearful patients
- Requires minimal equipment, making it ideal for community programs or low-income settings
- The filling releases fluoride, which helps prevent future decay
When It’s Used
- For small to moderate cavities
- When drills or anaesthesia aren’t available or appropriate
- In school-based or mobile dental clinics
- With children or special needs patients who can’t tolerate traditional care
SDF – Silver Diamine Fluoride
What It Is
SDF is a liquid used to stop the progression of cavities. It combines silver (antibacterial) and fluoride (strengthens enamel).
It is painted onto cavities to halt decay without drilling or filling.
How It’s Used
- The tooth is dried and isolated.
- SDF is applied with a microbrush to the cavity.
- It kills bacteria and hardens the decay.
- The treated area turns dark black — a sign the decay is arrested.
Why It’s Used
- Non-invasive: No drilling or numbing needed
- Fast and affordable
- Great for very young children or those with medical conditions
- Can delay or avoid the need for more invasive treatment
When It’s Used
- For early-stage cavities
- When a child is too young or anxious for fillings
- In underserved or remote areas
- To stabilize decay until full treatment can be done
SMART – Silver Modified Atraumatic Restorative Technique
What It Is
SMART combines SDF application with a glass ionomer filling to treat and seal cavities. It’s a step beyond SDF alone and adds a protective, tooth-coloured restoration.
How It’s Used
- SDF is applied to arrest decay.
- After SDF sets, a glass ionomer restoration is placed over the treated area.
- The material bonds to the tooth, providing fluoride release and coverage.
Why It’s Used
- dds the benefit of a restoration to the SDF treatment
- Seals and protects the cavity while stopping decay
- Provides a more aesthetic option than SDF alone
- Still minimally invasive — no drill or shot
When It’s Used
- For active cavities where arresting and restoring is ideal
- In young or fearful children
- In community dentistry or public health settings
- When traditional fillings are not feasible
