Questions and Answers
Where are dental caries most likely to occur in the mouth?
What is used to diagnose the depth of dental caries?
What covers the tooth root and helps anchor it in the jaw?
What is the term used to describe lesions on both proximal surfaces across from one another?
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What is the shape of the cavitation as it advances through the enamel?
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At what point in the enamel is mechanical treatment most likely the method of choice?
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What type of radiograph is essential for making determinations about the extent of proximal surface caries?
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What is the term used to describe a carious lesion that is confined to the enamel and has not yet reached the DEJ?
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What is the primary advantage of treating incipient lesions non-invasively?
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What is the term used to describe the surface of the tooth that is affected by smooth surface caries?
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What is the initial radiographic evidence of caries at the DEJ?
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What is the significance of the lateral spread of caries at the DEJ?
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What is the main advantage of treating caries at the DEJ level?
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What is the shape of the enamel pattern in the histology section of the tooth?
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What is the indication for surgically prepping the tooth at the DEJ level?
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What are the filling material options at the DEJ level?
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What is the primary reason for identifying mesial interproximal surface caries?
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What is the advantage of using composites with acid-etching bonding?
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What type of restoration is typically used for proximal surface caries?
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What is the purpose of the 3 visualization techniques in evaluating a radiograph?
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What is the significance of a radiolucent surface defect on a radiograph?
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What is the benefit of using tooth-colored composite materials?
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What is the term used to describe the darkened line along the DEJ on a radiograph?
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What is the purpose of the attached practice slide?
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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.
