16 Questions
What is the sequence of events in caries progression?
Opaque surface → progression of carious surface → cavitation
Why is the use of an explorer not preferred in tactile examination?
It can cause traumatic defect on the enamel surface and transfer cariogenic bacteria
What can be concluded about an area being carious?
If the explorer catches or resists removal when moderate pressure is applied
What is the advantage of radiographic examination in caries detection?
It has great value in detecting caries lesions that are not clinically visible
What is the consequence of using an explorer in a fissure?
It can cause the caries to reach the dentin and cause cavitation
Why has the incidence of caries lesions increased dramatically in recent years?
Due to the decrease in fluoride use
What is the name of the radiographic method proven to be effective in detecting proximal caries?
Bitewing radiography
What is the advantage of using dental floss in tactile examination?
It is a safe and effective method of detecting caries
What is the primary goal of early detection and diagnosis of dental caries?
To prevent irreversible loss of tooth structure
What is a characteristic of carious tissues when examined under a light source?
They scatter the light, making the enamel appear whiter and opaque
What is an ideal characteristic of a caries detection method?
It should be able to assess the activity of the lesion
What is the purpose of drying the tooth enamel during visual inspection?
To see an opaque surface on the tooth just before cavitation takes place
What is a criterion for an ideal caries detection method?
It should be able to capture the whole caries progress
What is a common diagnosis method used by dentists?
Visual inspection
What occurs when dentin undergoes demineralization during caries progression?
A shadow is observed under the intact enamel
What is the benefit of detecting caries at early stages?
It prevents the progression of dental caries
Study Notes
Importance of Early Detection and Diagnosis of Dental Caries
- Early detection and diagnosis of dental caries reduce irreversible loss of tooth structure, treatment costs, and time needed for restoration of teeth.
Conventional Methods of Caries Detection
- Visual inspection
- Common diagnosis method used by dentists
- Accurate assessment of clean, dry teeth under a light source
- Enamel appears whiter and opaque due to increased porosity caused by demineralization
- Dentin demineralization creates a shadow under intact enamel
- Tactile sensation
- Assesses changes in tooth structure such as enamel dissolution, white spot lesions, discoloration, surface roughness, and presence of cavitation
- Explorer and dental floss are used, but explorer use is not preferred due to potential harm to the tooth surface
- Radiography
- Valuable in detecting caries lesions not clinically visible
- Effective method for detecting proximal caries lesions, especially in low caries populations with increased fluoride use
- Bitewing radiography is a proven effective method
Ideal Caries Detection Method
- Captures entire caries progression from early stages to cavitation
- Accurate and precise
- Easy to apply
- Useful for all tooth surfaces, including those adjacent to restorations
- Assesses lesion activity
- Sensitive, allowing for early detection of lesions
Learn about the importance of early detection and diagnosis of dental caries, conventional examination methods, and new detection methods. This quiz covers the different ways to detect caries and their significance.
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