Mechanical retention features like undercuts, dovetails, and parallel walls are largely unnecessary with modern bonding. Cavity design is dictated solely by the elimination of infected dentition and access to the lesion. Biomechanical Considerations
The foundation of modern operative dentistry rests on several key, interconnected pillars that distinguish it from traditional approaches. Caries is treated as a disease process to
Caries is treated as a disease process to be managed through risk assessment and biofilm control, rather than just a cavity to be filled. They begin with an intraoral scanner that captures
Many modern textbooks now include sections on digital dentistry. CAD/CAM systems are integral to the modern workflow. They begin with an intraoral scanner that captures a precise 3D model of the patient's oral cavity. This digital impression is then used with CAD software to design the restoration (e.g., crown, veneer, inlay). Finally, CAM technology (often a milling machine) fabricates the restoration from a solid ceramic or composite block, allowing for same-day, highly accurate restorations that preserve maximum tooth structure. oral hygiene) to determine caries risk
Modern Operative Dentistry: Principles for Clinical Practice
Evaluating patient-specific factors (diet, saliva flow, oral hygiene) to determine caries risk, moving from a one-size-fits-all approach.