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A fundamental issue of restorative treatment is assessing the different conditions of cases not only from tooth-to-tooth but also from the activity of each caries lesion and the size of the cavity. In addition, restorative treatment is sometimes carried out for prosthetic and cosmetic purposes and involves cutting sound, unaffected dentin. These aspects are outlined in classic textbooks and are based on the principles described by Black (1908). However, each factor and its relative importance has changed over the years. Significant time has been devoted to improving the important technical aspects of performing restorative treatment. Traditionally, these aspects have primarily been related to cavity design, choice of restorative material and the clinical procedures involved. In this context, Dr Michael Buonocore's contributions must be recognized because the adhesive technique he introduced has become an integral part of modern operative dentistry. Operative dentistry today also focuses on cavity design and selecting restorative materials. Less effort has been placed on incorporating what is known about the pattern of caries progression and how it relates to caries removal or excavation. Although the reaction pattern of the pulp-dentin organ is quite different in terms of the nature of active (rapid-progressing) and arrested (slow-progressing) lesions, no widespread major distinction has been made regarding the different restorative treatment approaches in these situations. This presentation updates the progression and clinical management of dentin caries and how it relates to treating deep caries lesions.