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Questions and Answers
What is the main purpose of caries investigations?
Information gathering and making a final diagnosis.
Which of the following factors measure the effectiveness of an investigation?
What is the primary method used to detect caries in patients?
Radiographs are always reliable in detecting caries immediately.
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The radiographic appearance of caries is ___ months behind the actual histologic spread.
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What is a disadvantage of bitewing radiographs?
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Match the following radiographic types with their uses:
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Study Notes
Caries Investigations
- Caries investigations gather information to assist with diagnosis and identify the potential cause of tooth decay.
- All investigations are prone to both false positive and false negative results.
Factors for Evaluating Investigations
- Sensitivity: Measures how well an investigation can detect a true disease
- Specificity: Measures how well an investigation can determine true health
Common Caries Investigations
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Radiographs: Used to visualize tooth structures that cannot be readily seen clinically.
- Intraoral Radiographs: Most common type, including bitewing radiographs for assessing interproximal surfaces.
- Extraoral Radiographs: Primarily for orthodontic treatment and situations where the patient cannot open their mouth widely
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Periapical Radiographs: Used to examine structures surrounding the tooth root, including the alveolar bone (the bone that supports the teeth).
- Periapical radiographs can also reveal the presence of restorations and potential problems in the periapical area (the area at the tip of the root).
- Pulp Vitality Test: Assesses the health of the tooth's nerve (pulp).
- Percussion Tests: Used to evaluate the sensitivity of the tooth to tapping.
Radiographs for Caries Detection
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Bitewing Radiographs: Preferred for detecting lesions on the proximal surfaces (sides) of posterior teeth.
- Proper film holder and beam aiming techniques are essential for accurate angled images.
- The beam should be perpendicular to the contact points between teeth for more reliable results.
- Periapical Radiographs: Used to assess the depth of proximal lesions on anterior teeth.
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Radiographic Limitations:
- Incipient (early) occlusal lesions are difficult to detect on radiographs.
- Later stage occlusal lesions are clearly visible.
- Radiographs cannot accurately depict the depth of proximal lesions on anterior teeth.
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Radiographic Time Lag:
- A significant time lag exists between the actual histologic spread of caries and its appearance on radiographs (at least 6 months).
- This is because caries must progress to a certain extent to become radiolucent (black) on the image.
- This means that caries may be present before it becomes detectable on a radiograph.
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Description
Explore the various investigations used to diagnose tooth decay, including their sensitivity and specificity. This quiz covers common methods such as intraoral and extraoral radiographs, outlining their significance in dental assessments. Test your knowledge on the factors that affect the reliability of these investigations.
