Cariogram Flashcards
What is a cariogram
Cariogram is a graphical picture illustrating in an interactive way the individual/patient risk for developing new dental caries in the future
What does a cariogram express
Expresses to what extent different etiological factors of caries may affect the caries risk for the particular patient.
It does not specify a particular number of cavities that may occur.
what is the main purpose of a cariogram
Main purpose of the cariogram is to demonstrate the caries risk graphically, expressed as the ‘chance to avoid new caries’ in the near future.
It also illustrates to what extent various factors affect this ‘chance’.
A further purpose of the program is to encourage preventative measures to be introduced before new cavities develop.
what are the aims of a cariogram
- Illustrates the interaction of caries related factors
- Illustrates the chance to avoid caries
- Expresses caries risk graphically
- Recommends targeted preventative actions
- Can be used in the clinic
- Can be used as an educational programme
what clinical value is a cardiogram
cariogram may have valuable hints and may even serve as a basis for discussions with patients regarding various risk factors and preventative strategies – it does not take over the judgement/responsibilities of the examiner but may serve as a valuable tool in the clinical decision making.
what is risk
‘Risk’ is the probability that some harmful event will occur.
what is risk often defined as
the probability of an ‘unwanted’ event occurring within a specified period of time.
what is caries risk
Caries risk is the probability that an individual will develop carious lesions, reaching a given stage of the disease in progression during a specified period of time, conditional that the exposure status for risk factors remains stable during the period in question
why is it important to predict caries risk
targeted preventative actions can be directed to those having a high caries risk, before cavities could develop. Naturally, if the main etiological factors could be identified, suitable treatment for the particular individual can be carried out with good results.
what are the two ways that factors involved caries risk are split into
those immediately involved in the caries process
those related to the occurrence of caries
how can the factors involved in the immediately involved in caries process be classified
those on the ‘attack side’
those on the ‘defense side’
what is on the ‘attack side’
dental plaque
presence of various specific microorganisms
what is on the ‘defense side’
salivary protective systems, fluoride exposure
what are factors related to the occurrence of caries
various socio-economic factors and past caries experience
Such factors can be designated as indicators of caries risk, but do not participate actually in the ‘making’ of a cavity.
what does the setting for area/country take into account
impact of different caries related factors which may differ between different countries/areas depending on several background information. ‘standard set’ is most suitable for an industrialiser country without water fluoridation.
what is an example of a high risk ‘group’
elderly patients with exposed root surfaces
