Dental Caries: Definition and Stages

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Questions and Answers

What is a significant characteristic of root surface caries?

  • It is more difficult to restore. (correct)
  • It occurs only on enamel.
  • It progresses slowly.
  • It is often symptomatic.

What underlying condition can predispose a person to linear enamel caries?

  • Hypocalcemia. (correct)
  • Periodontal disease.
  • Gingivitis.
  • Dental fluorosis.

What defines secondary or recurrent caries?

  • Caries that develop beneath the gum line.
  • Caries that affect only the root surface.
  • Caries that occur adjacent to an existing restoration. (correct)
  • Caries that arise from trauma.

What is a provisional diagnosis?

<p>A tentative diagnosis based on initial findings. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of differential diagnosis?

<p>To list diseases with similar signs and symptoms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of dental caries?

<p>Irreversible microbial disease of the calcified tissues of the teeth (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which combination of factors is necessary for the development of dental caries?

<p>Susceptible tooth, diet rich in fermentable carbohydrates, specific bacteria (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of caries is characterized by demineralization without structural defect?

<p>Initial caries (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of caries involves the occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth?

<p>Pit and fissure caries (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT listed as contributing to dental caries?

<p>Environmental pollutants (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes deep complicated caries from deep caries?

<p>Caries has led to the opening of the pulp cavity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sign is indicative of pit and fissure caries?

<p>Brown-gray discoloration radiating from the pit or fissure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main limitation of visual diagnosis in detecting caries?

<p>It can miss lesions due to reliance on the naked eye. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes Class V smooth surface caries?

<p>Affects buccal and lingual surfaces of anterior and posterior teeth (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment tool is considered the best choice for performing a caries diagnosis according to the ICCMSâ„¢?

<p>Visual-tactile diagnosis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of radiograph is typically used to detect interproximal caries in the posterior region?

<p>Bitewing radiograph (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method of conventional caries detection?

<p>Blood tests (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using an explorer in dental examinations?

<p>To verify surface characteristics of suspected carious lesions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of cavities?

<p>Sensitivity to hot or cold foods (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of radiographic examination in caries diagnosis?

<p>It can detect cavities that are visually hidden. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a benefit of visual diagnosis?

<p>It does not expose patients to radiation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of radiation exposure poses a higher risk to children compared to adults?

<p>Low-dose radiation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the score assigned to the initial stage of caries in the ICCMS radiographical scoring system?

<p>1 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary criterion for a carious lesion to be classified in the moderate stage according to the ICCMS scoring system?

<p>Radiolucency reaching the middle 1/3 of dentin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method is increasingly replacing bitewing radiography for caries detection?

<p>Digital radiography (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which stage in the ICCMS scoring system demonstrates radiolucency into the pulp and is clinically cavitated?

<p>Severe stage (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can be a method for caries detection based on light emission?

<p>Laser fluorescence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended practice to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure during radiographic diagnosis?

<p>Use protective shields (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the extensive stage in the ICCMS radiographical scoring system?

<p>Radiolucency reaching the inner 1/3 of the dentin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of digital radiography over traditional X-ray film?

<p>It produces enhanced computer images. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method can quantitatively detect the difference in fluorescence between sound tissue and caries lesions?

<p>Quantitative laser-light induced fluorescence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes Fiber-optic transillumination (FOTI)?

<p>A no-risk, minimally invasive, repeated-use procedure. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principle does the CarieScan PRO system rely on for detecting lesion sites?

<p>Electric conductance properties of tooth tissue (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of electric pulp testing?

<p>To assess the vitality of the pulp tissue (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method is used to visualize changes in tooth appearance using light?

<p>Fiber-optic transillumination (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about fiber-optic transillumination?

<p>It can be used for diagnosing cavities non-invasively. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is primarily qualitative in nature for dental diagnostics?

<p>Fiber-optic transillumination (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Dental Caries: Definition and Stages

  • Dental caries, an irreversible microbial disease, begins with the demineralization of tooth surfaces and can lead to cavitation.
  • Three factors are essential for caries development: a susceptible tooth, a diet rich in fermentable carbohydrates, and specific bacteria.
  • Caries progression is influenced by individual factors, microorganisms, substrate for microorganisms, and duration/frequency of exposure.
  • Stages of caries based on tissue involvement: Initial caries, Incipient (superficial) caries, Moderate caries, Deep caries (advanced), Deep complicated caries (severe).
  • Caries stages are classified based on anatomical site: Occlusal, Smooth surface caries, Linear enamel caries, Root caries.

Detection Methods: Radiographs and Newer Approaches

  • Radiographic assessment: Useful for confirming caries extent, detecting hidden lesions, and aiding clinical decision-making.
  • Radiographic types: Bitewing, periapical, occlusal.
  • Digital radiography: replaces film, offers enhanced image quality, can detect caries lesions, but requires technical skills and expensive equipment.
  • Digital image enhancement: Offers superior results to radiographs when enhanced correctly, but demands significant technical expertise and expensive equipment.
  • Digital subtraction radiography: A technique for detecting subtle changes.
  • Tuned aperture computed tomography (TACT): A new imaging technique for early caries detection.

Alternative Methods Based on Light and Electricity

  • Quantitative laser- light induced fluorescence: Detects differences in fluorescence between sound tissue and caries lesions.
  • Fiber-optic transillumination (FOTI): A non-invasive, pain-free, and safe method for visualizing tooth changes and detecting shadows indicative of caries.
  • Electrical conductance and impedance: Measuring the electrical conductance of the tooth detects demineralized enamel, porous sites, and cavities.

Conventional and Visual-Tactile Methods

  • Visual detection: This is the most common method, involving visual inspection and using light to examine dental surfaces.
  • Tactile sensation with explorers: Explorers are used to check the surface texture of suspected carious lesions and remove plaque and debris.
  • Visual-tactile diagnosis: A combination of visual examination and exploration, but can be subjective and may miss lesions.

Benefits and Limitations of Diagnosis

  • Visual diagnosis: Quick, easy, inexpensive, and avoids unnecessary radiation.
  • Radiographic diagnosis: Requires care to minimize radiation exposure, especially for children at increased risk of radiation-related health issues.
  • Proper diagnosis: Carried out with a combination of clinical examination and radiographs.

Special Tests

  • Pulp vitality testing: Often indicated for selected teeth prior to restorative or orthodontic procedures.
  • Electric Pulp Testing: Uses electrical current to assess pulp vitality.
  • Cold pulp test: Absence of sensation suggests a non-vital tooth.

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