Dental Caries Detection Methods

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Questions and Answers

What is the sequence of events in caries progression?

Cavitation → progression of carious surface → Opaque surface

Progression of carious surface → Opaque surface → cavitation

Cavitation → Opaque surface → progression of carious surface

Opaque surface → progression of carious surface → cavitation (correct)

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 (correct)

It is not sensitive enough to detect caries

It is only used for visual examination

It is not effective in detecting proximal caries

What can be concluded about an area being carious?

If there is no softness at the base of the lesion

If the explorer slides smoothly over the surface

If the explorer catches or resists removal when moderate pressure is applied (correct)

If the enamel is hardened adjacent to the pit and fissure

What is the advantage of radiographic examination in caries detection?

It has great value in detecting caries lesions that are not clinically visible Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of using an explorer in a fissure?

It can cause the caries to reach the dentin and cause cavitation Signup and view all the answers

Why has the incidence of caries lesions increased dramatically in recent years?

Due to the decrease in fluoride use Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the radiographic method proven to be effective in detecting proximal caries?

Bitewing radiography Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using dental floss in tactile examination?

It is a safe and effective method of detecting caries Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of early detection and diagnosis of dental caries?

To prevent irreversible loss of tooth structure Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of carious tissues when examined under a light source?

They scatter the light, making the enamel appear whiter and opaque Signup and view all the answers

What is an ideal characteristic of a caries detection method?

It should be able to assess the activity of the lesion Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What is a criterion for an ideal caries detection method?

It should be able to capture the whole caries progress Signup and view all the answers

What is a common diagnosis method used by dentists?

Visual inspection Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when dentin undergoes demineralization during caries progression?

A shadow is observed under the intact enamel Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of detecting caries at early stages?

It prevents the progression of dental caries Signup and view all the answers

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

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Description

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.