RESIN INFILTRATION IN NON-SURGICAL CARIES MANAGEMENT: A CONTEMPORARY REVIEW

Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, with early enamel lesions representing a critical intervention window before irreversible structural breakdown occurs. Resin infiltration has emerged as an innovative micro-invasive technique that bridges the gap between preventive and restorative dentistry by penetrating low-viscosity light-curable resin into the microporosities of non-cavitated enamel lesions. This contemporary review comprehensively evaluates the biological basis, mechanism of action, clinical protocol, indications, comparative effectiveness, limitations, safety considerations, and future perspectives of resin infiltration in the non-surgical management of dental caries. Current evidence from randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses supports resin infiltration as a predictable and safe treatment for carefully selected non-cavitated enamel and early proximal lesions, demonstrating superior lesion arrest compared with conventional non- invasive therapies.The technique also provides significant esthetic improvement through the masking of white spot lesions, making it particularly valuable in post-orthodontic patients. However, successful outcomes remain highly dependent on accurate diagnosis, appropriate case selection, meticulous clinical technique, and integration with comprehensive caries-risk management. Future advances in bioactive infiltrant materials, antimicrobial resin formulations, artificial intelligence-assisted lesion detection, and combination remineralization therapies may further enhance the effectiveness and longevity of this approach.