Minimally invasive treatments for the management of dental caries in the face of COVID-19: a scoping review

Abstract

Objective: To map the minimally invasive treatments available to be used in the management of dental caries in times of COVID-19. Methodology: A complete search was performed in the PubMed (MEDLINE), BBO, LILACS, Wholis, PAHO, IBECS, NCBI, ResearchGate, Web of Science and SciELO databases using the descriptors Partial removal of decayed tissue; deep lesions; COVID 19; minimal intervention; dentin and dental restoration. Articles published in Portuguese, English, and Spanish and published from 2020 to the present day were included in this scoping review. Results: the pros should be familiar with procedural options that minimize or eliminate aerosol production; Atraumatic restorative treatment, sealing of carious lesions, application of silver diamino fluoride, selective removal of carious dentin, and the Hall Technique are important techniques to minimize fluid propagation and contamination. Conclusion: Several minimally invasive den tal techniques ensure the performance of procedures with a reduced risk of aerosol generation, being considered appropriate and first-choice techniques in the treatment of caries during and after the COVID-19 era.