caries pattern and diagnosis

Question 1

how may decalcification present? where is this often?

how may this be resolved?

Answer 1

chalky white patch, often approximately or close to CEJ for anteriors.

fixed through general cleaning and OHI, dietary management.

Question 2

where may caries develop that are inaccessible? how managed?

Answer 2

pit and fissure caries, fissures too small for even a toothbrush

manage with a fissure sealant

Question 3

characteristics of smooth surface caries?

Answer 3

light coloured and very sticky. the probe would cavitate very easily.

Question 4

how would interproximal caries be identified?

Answer 4

shadowing or decolouration mesially / distally

radiograph is essential

Question 5

how may a child suffer from severe anterior caries?

Answer 5

nursing bottle caries

feeder bottle at bedtime, often milk/juice anything other than water

milk has high lactose

Question 6

how may unrestorable caries be classified and managed?

Answer 6

arrested caries if the patient is compliant with OHI and dietary management

cause of a pragmatic route taken. arrest > extract

Question 7

define rampant caries

Answer 7

> 10 lesions per year

lower anteriors are affected (normally protected by the tongue)

Question 8

where / what pattern may caries most likely be found and follow in primary dentition?

Answer 8

lower molars > upper molars > upper anteriors

rare in lower anteriors

2nd primary molars more prone to occlusal caries than 1 pm

interproximal caries only when contacts develop

Question 9

where may caries be found most likely in the mixed/early permanent dentition?

Answer 9

lower 6s higher caries than upper

pits and grooves of teeth

palatal upper 6 and upper laterals

buccal groove lower 6

cingulum pits of laterals

interproximally in mixed when eruption of 2nd molars