In a cooperative child with a non-cavitated proximal lesion, which approach is most appropriate?

• A. Immediately prepare a deep invasive cavity
• B. Consider resin infiltration rather than drilling to preserve structure
• C. Wait until cavitation occurs before treating
• D. Perform only fluoride varnish

Answer: (B)

Managing a non-cavitated proximal lesion in a cooperative child focuses on stopping decay without removing healthy tooth structure. Resin infiltration does exactly that by delivering a low-viscosity resin into the porous subsurface of the lesion. Once infiltrated, the resin seals micro-porosities, blocking pathways for acids and bacterial invasion, which arrests progression of the caries while preserving most of the tooth enamel and dentin. The procedure is relatively quick, minimally invasive, and well-suited to a child who cooperates, reducing the need for drilling or extensive restorative work.

In contrast, preparing a deep cavity would be overly invasive for a lesion that hasn’t cavitated yet; waiting for cavitation risks the lesion advancing and complicating future treatment; and fluoride varnish alone, while beneficial for remineralization, does not effectively address proximal lesions between teeth where blockaded diffusion is needed to halt progression. Therefore, resin infiltration is the best-fit approach for this scenario.