Facial Slot Class II Restorations: A Conservative Technique Revisited

Conservative instrumentation of initial posterior approximal caries is beneficial to patients and simplifies surgical management. This article describes a minimally invasive technique for preparing Class II lesions while keeping the marginal ridge and occlusal surface intact. Eradication of caries by minimally invasive techniques and restoration of tooth form after such cavity preparation necessitates specialized restorative materials that feature adhesion to tooth structure and ion exchange to facilitate remineralization. This article outlines a conservative instrumentation sequence, followed by use of a highly viscous, rapid-setting, capsulated glass ionomer cement, for the restoration of initial posterior approximal lesions.