MODERN APPROACHES TO THE TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF DENTAL CARIES AND PULPITIS: AN EVIDENCE-BASED REVIEW

Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent chronic oral diseases worldwide and represents the primary etiological factor in the development of pulpitis. Despite advances in preventive dentistry, the progression of untreated carious lesions continues to result in pulpal inflammation, pain, and tooth loss. Recent developments in minimally invasive dentistry, bioactive restorativematerials, and modern endodontic techniques have significantly transformed the management of both caries and pulp-related pathologies. Contemporary approaches emphasize early diagnosis, preservation of healthy tooth structure, and biologicalmodulation of the pulp–dentin complex. Evidence from recent clinical studies demonstrates that minimally invasive caries management strategies, including resin infiltration and atraumatic restorative treatment, effectively arrest early lesions whilemaintaining tooth integrity. In addition, the introduction of calcium silicate–based materials has improved the clinical outcomes of vital pulp therapy by enhancing pulpal healing and long-term tooth survival. Advances in endodontic instrumentation, irrigation activation methods, and bioceramic sealers have further increased the success rates of pulpitis treatment. Preventive strategies integrating fluoride-based therapies, fissure sealants, and individualized caries risk assessment play a critical role in reducing disease incidence and progression. Overall, the integration of modern diagnostic tools, biomaterials, and preventive concepts supports a paradigm shift toward biologically driven and patient-centered dental care, contributing to sustainable improvements in oral health outcomes.