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ABSTRACT Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) arises and evolves through intricately mixed, intertwined actions between phenotypic, genetic and environmental factors. Despite being the preponderant type of neoplasia and its frequent location in the accessible and visible region of head and neck, it is commonly considered that a substantial number of BCC cases are diagnosed in the late stages, or even remain undiagnosed at all. Since a proper and timely discovery of all malignancies are key factors in the treatment and life prognostic of patients, a literature survey was made on BCCs to point out current and perspective elements of diagnosis that could be relevant in increasing the success rate of a clear, precise diagnostic. The cumulative use of non-invasive methods based on visual inspection, dermoscopy and other imagistic/computational tools is the first choice in early detection of BCC, while the biopsy followed by histopathological examination are recommended when reasonable uncertainties regarding the type and aggressivity of disease still remain unacknowledged after the initial follow-up.

The traditional view, that consider the carious disease as an infectious disease where the therapeutic strategy requires the removal of bacteria and affected tissues, is no longer valid today. Alternative therapies involving the control of causative factors (carbohydrate restrictions, biofilm removal) or to rebalance de- and remineralization processes (fluoride and other remineralization strategies or sealing placement) have become the cornerstone of “the tooth decay management”. These new therapies allow “the inactivation / control of the caries process, preservation of dental hard tissues, avoidance of repetitive restorative cycle, and maintenance of the tooth throughout the patient’s life “. Today we have techniques for the selective removal of decayed the carious tissues that maintain a minimal area of soft or firm dentin near to the pulp and create a sealing area on the periphery in which healthy dentin and enamel on the walls and borders of the cavity provide an effective substrate for bio-adhesive restorations.