Caries Management - The Biological Approach

Question 1

What special tests are used in caries diagnosis

Answer 1

Transillumination
FOTI
Diagnose the
Plaque pH
Salivary flow rate
Plaque pH

Question 2

How is coronal caries detected visually

Answer 2

Normal enamel translucency after 5 seconds drying
Enamel opacity 5 after 5 seconds of drying, without drying, or with local surface destruction
Enamel discolouration
Surface breakdown
Enamel cavity into dentine

Question 3

Why shouldn’t enamel caries be probed

Answer 3

Can cause breakdown of fragile surface preventing potential remineralisation
Occlusal caries often starts at the sides of a fissure rather than at the base

Question 4

Describe temporary elective tooth separation

Answer 4

Interproximal caries only
Orthodontic separator between teeth
Review 1 week later
Inspect surface for cavitation 
Take a silicone impression of approximal surface

Question 5

How is root surface caries diagnosed

Answer 5

Clean teeth - cant see caries under plaque
Use a probe
Position in relation to gingival margin
Dimension of lesion
Colour of root caries

Question 6

What are the clinical signs of tooth surface caries

Answer 6

Texture - soft lesions have higher bacterial loads and are more likely to be active - best indicator
Colour - lighter coloured lesions have higher bacterial