Which outcome is NOT typically used as an MID outcome measure?

• A. Radiographic evidence of dentin bridge
• B. Tooth vitality
• C. Restoration integrity
• D. Caries arrest rate

Answer: (A)

In minimally invasive dentistry, outcomes are most meaningful when they show the tooth staying alive, the restoration continuing to function well, and caries being kept under control. Radiographic evidence of a dentin bridge is not typically used as an MID outcome because it’s a biological response at the pulp-dentin interface rather than a direct measure of clinical success. A dentin bridge can occur in some cases, but its presence doesn’t reliably predict long-term tooth survival, function, or patient benefit, and it can be difficult to assess consistently on radiographs. In contrast, tooth vitality, restoration integrity, and caries arrest rate directly reflect the practical goals of MID: preserve the tooth’s pulp health, maintain a durable restoration, and stop caries progression.