Cariology Flashcards
What are the potentially fatal complications of oral infections?
- Intracranial spread by septic emboli
- Bacterial meningitis
- Brain abscess
- Cavernous sinus thrombosis
- Mediastinitis
- Bacteraemia
- Septicaemia
- Septic shock
- Necrotizing fasciitis
Each of these complications can arise from untreated oral infections and may require urgent medical intervention.
Define septicaemia.
Overwhelming bacterial proliferation & release of toxins in blood.
Septicaemia is a severe condition that can lead to septic shock and multi-organ failure.
What is necrotizing fasciitis?
Rapidly progressing necrosis of subcutaneous tissues and fascia accompanied by high fever and toxicity.
It is a life-threatening infection that requires urgent surgical intervention.
What is Ludwig’s angina?
A rapidly spreading, septic cellulitis involving submandibular, submental, and sublingual spaces bilaterally.
It can lead to airway obstruction and requires immediate medical attention.
List the clinical presentations of Ludwig’s angina.
- Upward and outward orientation of tongue
- Firm, diffuse swelling in affected areas
- Fever and respiratory distress
These symptoms indicate a severe infection that can compromise the airway.
What is the management approach for Ludwig’s angina?
- Appropriate antibiotic medications: penicillins
- Monitoring and protection of the airway
- Incision and drainage of the abscess (intraoral or external)
- Fiberoptic intubation if airway is compromised
Immediate airway management is crucial in cases of severe swelling.
What is osteomyelitis?
Infection of bone marrow.
It can result from dental infections and may present with significant pain and swelling.
Identify the predisposing factors for osteomyelitis.
- Reduced host resistance
- Diabetes mellitus
- Leukaemia
- Malnutrition
- Chronic alcoholism
- Immunosuppression
- Radiation
- Osteoporosis
- Peripheral vascular diseases
These factors can increase the risk of developing bone infections.
What is the pathogenesis of osteomyelitis?
Accumulation of pus in marrow spaces results in increased intramedullary pressure, leading to necrosis of bone due to lack of nutrients.
This condition can progress rapidly and necessitates prompt treatment.
What are the histopathological features of osteomyelitis?
- Localised pus with lymphocytes and plasma cells
- Osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity
- Involucrum (attempt at repair)
- Sequestrum (dead bone detached from vital bone)
These features can help in diagnosing and managing the condition.
Describe the clinical classification of osteomyelitis.
- Based on anatomical location: Intramedullary, Subperiosteal, Periosteal
- Based on duration and severity: Acute, Chronic
- Based on presence or absence of suppuration: Suppurative, Non-suppurative
This classification helps in determining the appropriate treatment approach.
What is the significance of S. mutans in caries?
- Rapid generation of acid from sucrose
- Synthesis of extracellular polysaccharides
- High numbers in plaque associated with developing lesions
S. mutans is a primary bacterium involved in the caries process.
Fill in the blank: A bacterial disease of calcified tissues of teeth characterized by demineralization is known as _______.
[caries]
Caries is a dynamic process that involves both dissolution and reprecipitation of minerals.
What are the histological zones of enamel caries?
- Translucent zone
- Dark zone
- Body
These zones reflect the progression of enamel caries and can guide treatment decisions.
What are the acute sequels of untreated caries?
- Periapical osteitis
- Cellulitis
- Abscess
- Phoenix abscess
- Pericoronitis
- Folliculitis
- Fistula
These conditions can arise from untreated dental caries and may require surgical or medical intervention.
True or False: Chronic dento-alveolar abscess is an abscess spreading from dental tissues to alveolar bone.
True
This condition is a common sequel of untreated dental caries.
What is the treatment regimen for early lesions of osteomyelitis?
- Incision and drainage
- Supportive therapy: rehydrate patient, rich nutritional diet
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Early intervention is critical to prevent progression.
What is the pore volume of the translucent zone in enamel?
1% pore volume
The pores are the size of a H2O molecule.
What are the characteristics of the dark zone in enamel?
2-4% pore volume with some remineralization concurrent with destruction
What is the range of pore volume in the body of enamel?
2-25% pore volume
What is the surface zone of enamel described as?
A thin layer (approx. 40µ) that is highly mineralized with high F- and Mg++ levels
True or False: Enamel has cellular sensors that trigger defense reactions.
False
List the types of caries based on the site of attack.
- Pit/fissure caries
- Smooth surface caries
- Cemental/root caries
- Recurrent caries
List the classifications of caries based on the rate of attack.
- Rampant/acute caries
- Slowly progressive/chronic caries
- Arrested caries
