Podcast
Questions and Answers
What should be clearly visible on an image if the operator can position the image receptor correctly?
What should be clearly visible on an image if the operator can position the image receptor correctly?
Why do panoramic images have poor resolution compared with intraoral receptors?
Why do panoramic images have poor resolution compared with intraoral receptors?
What is the possible explanation for a demineralization detected on an image not representing an active carious lesion?
What is the possible explanation for a demineralization detected on an image not representing an active carious lesion?
Why are extraoral bitewing images used?
Why are extraoral bitewing images used?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the classic shape of an enamel caries lesion?
What is the classic shape of an enamel caries lesion?
Signup and view all the answers
How much demineralization of the enamel is required for lesions to be observed on an image?
How much demineralization of the enamel is required for lesions to be observed on an image?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the first step to treating dental caries?
What is the first step to treating dental caries?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the role of lactic acid in the development of dental caries?
What is the role of lactic acid in the development of dental caries?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the clinical appearance of an early, active carious lesion?
What is the clinical appearance of an early, active carious lesion?
Signup and view all the answers
Which imaging technique is preferred to detect interproximal caries in posterior teeth?
Which imaging technique is preferred to detect interproximal caries in posterior teeth?
Signup and view all the answers
What represents the effect of dental caries rather than the disease itself?
What represents the effect of dental caries rather than the disease itself?
Signup and view all the answers
What process eventually dominates in the continuous demineralization and remineralization cycle of tooth structure?
What process eventually dominates in the continuous demineralization and remineralization cycle of tooth structure?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Caries Detection and Radiology
- Correct positioning of the image receptor is crucial to visualize proximal surfaces clearly.
- Caries lesions cause demineralization of enamel and dentin, resulting in radiolucent (dark) regions on images.
- Panoramic images have poor resolution and should not be relied upon to detect caries.
Radiolucent Regions
- Radiolucent regions on images may not necessarily represent active carious lesions, but can be older, inactive (arrested) lesions or "scars" in the enamel.
- Minerals from saliva can remineralize the outermost surface of the tooth, but not deeper tissues.
Extraoral Bitewing Images
- Extraoral bitewing images can be used when intraoral images are impossible to obtain, such as with uncooperative patients or those with anatomic constraints.
Caries Lesion Progression
- Caries lesions progress slowly, especially in enamel, and require individualized approaches to each patient.
- Imaging examinations are necessary to understand factors contributing to disease.
Enamel Caries Lesions
- Enamel rods are oriented at 90 degrees to the surface, resulting in demineralization along the long axes of the enamel rods.
- Classic shape of an enamel caries lesion is a triangle with its broad base on the proximal surface and its tip pointing toward the dentinoenamel junction (DEJ).
Interproximal Carious Lesions
- Interproximal carious lesions are commonly found between contact points of teeth, extending apically to near the free gingival margin.
- A small amount of demineralization on the middle of the proximal surface may not be visible radiographically.
False-Positive Interpretations
- There is no 100% agreement on caries diagnosis between different observers, especially with enamel caries.
Dental Caries Disease Mechanism
- Lactic acid produced by S. mutans in the bacterial biofilm reduces local pH and causes demineralization of tooth structure.
- Demineralization process begins beneath the enamel surface, leaving behind a thin, mineralized, intact surface layer.
Caries Appearance
- Early, active lesions appear as white, chalky spots, whereas older, arrested lesions appear darker (black or brown).
- Intraoral bitewing images are the preferred images to detect interproximal caries in posterior teeth.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Learn about dental caries, the most common disease in the mouth, and how radiology is used to identify it. Understand the disease mechanism involving lactic acid production and demineralization of tooth structure.
