Dental Caries and Tooth Decay

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Questions and Answers

Where are dental caries most likely to occur in the mouth?

3rd molars

incisors and maxillary 1st molars

canines and premolars (correct)

posterior mandibular molars

What is used to diagnose the depth of dental caries?

Dental x-rays or radiographs (correct)

Mouthwash

Dental mirror

Toothbrush

What covers the tooth root and helps anchor it in the jaw?

Enamel

Dentin

Cementum (correct)

Tooth pulp

What is the term used to describe lesions on both proximal surfaces across from one another?

Kissing lesions Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of the cavitation as it advances through the enamel?

Triangular Signup and view all the answers

At what point in the enamel is mechanical treatment most likely the method of choice?

When the cavitation has passed the halfway point in the enamel Signup and view all the answers

What type of radiograph is essential for making determinations about the extent of proximal surface caries?

Bitewing radiograph Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe a carious lesion that is confined to the enamel and has not yet reached the DEJ?

Incipient lesion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of treating incipient lesions non-invasively?

It avoids the need for drilling Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the surface of the tooth that is affected by smooth surface caries?

Proximal surface Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial radiographic evidence of caries at the DEJ?

A thin radiolucent line Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the lateral spread of caries at the DEJ?

It is the first visible radiographic evidence of caries into the dentin Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of treating caries at the DEJ level?

It allows for better control and is less expensive to the patient Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of the enamel pattern in the histology section of the tooth?

Triangular Signup and view all the answers

What is the indication for surgically prepping the tooth at the DEJ level?

The caries has progressed into the dentin Signup and view all the answers

What are the filling material options at the DEJ level?

Either amalgam or composite Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for identifying mesial interproximal surface caries?

To prevent extensive treatment or extraction of the molar Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using composites with acid-etching bonding?

They spare more tooth structure and prevent recurrent decay Signup and view all the answers

What type of restoration is typically used for proximal surface caries?

Class II restoration with an amalgam Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 3 visualization techniques in evaluating a radiograph?

To evaluate the radiograph for occlusal, enamel, and dentin caries Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a radiolucent surface defect on a radiograph?

It is an indication of a surface caries next to an amalgam restoration Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using tooth-colored composite materials?

They are more aesthetically pleasing to patients Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the darkened line along the DEJ on a radiograph?

Not mentioned in the content Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the attached practice slide?

To practice exam questions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dental Caries

Dental caries is also known as "tooth decay"
Caries can occur on any tooth surface, but it's most common on upper molars and incisors due to their location near salivary glands ducts
Caries can present with minor visible clinical defects on the enamel, but dental x-rays or radiographs are needed to diagnose the depth of the caries

Structure of a Tooth

Enamel: the hardest substance in the human body, protects teeth from cavity-causing bacteria
Dentin: a layer beneath enamel, not as strong as enamel, and can increase the risk of cavities when exposed
Cementum: covers the tooth root and helps anchor the tooth in the jaw
Tooth pulp: the innermost layer, contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues

Demineralization and Remineralization

Demineralization occurs when a tooth is in a state of acid production or low pH, leading to caries
Remineralization occurs when a tooth is in a state of high pH, allowing minerals to be redeposited, reversing early caries

Imaging and Diagnosis

Dental imaging is crucial for delivering patient care, especially for hard tissue in the head and neck region
Radiographs are used to diagnose caries, and bitewings are essential for making determinations about the extent of treatment needed
Lesions on both proximal surfaces are termed "kissing lesions"

Smooth Surface Caries

Triangle pattern: based at the tooth enamel surface and apex towards the Dentino-Enamel Junction (DEJ)
When the pattern is halfway across the enamel, it's considered an "incipient lesion" and can be treated non-invasively
Larger lesions require mechanical treatment (drilling)

Proximal Surface Caries

Develops a triangular shape as it advances through the enamel
Cavitation eats its way through the enamel to near the DEJ
Radiograph shows 2 kissing lesions confined to the enamel

Dentin Caries

First evidence is a thin radiolucent line at the DEJ, indicating demineralization
Initial demineralization of dentin spreads laterally along the DEJ
Treatment at this level is more efficient and less expensive, but caries at this level requires surgical preparation

Treatment Options

Occlusal surface, Class I restoration: Prep design Occlusal, Sealant-composite, Amalgam
Proximal surface, Class II restoration: Prep design MO, DO, MOD, Slot, Amalgam, Composite
Composites with acid-etching bonding are preferred due to better sealing, prevention of recurrent decay, and tooth-colored materials

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Description

This quiz covers the basics of dental caries, also known as tooth decay, including its causes, locations, and effects on teeth.