clinical presentation of caries Flashcards
what is dental caries?
a disease of the mineralised tissues of teeth caused by the action of micro organisms on fermentable carbohydrates
characterised by the demineralisation of the mineralised portion of the tissues followed by disintegration of the organic material
PREVENTABLE
what micro organisms are involved in dental caries?
streptococcus mutans
lactobacilli
what sites of a tooth are susceptible to plaque accumulation?
enamel pits/fissures approximal areas cervical areas root surfaces with perio disease margins of restoration
what 4 conditions result in defective tooth structure?
caries
trauma
tooth wear
development defects
when to treat caries operatively?
visible cavitation
caries at EDJ
what is the national dental inspection programme?
began 2003
inspects all p1/p7 children in scotland
basic inspection - annually
detailed - biannulayy
what types of radiographs are used to screen caries in children?
bitewings - age 5 on
lateral oblique of the jaw if no co operation for bitewings
what are rampant caries?
affect deciduous dentition
involve several teeth and occur rapidly
when labial surfaces of upper anterior teeth are involved = nursing bottle caries
how does dental caries progress?
in an episodic fashion
what surface of the teeth is dynamic?
enamel - constant demineralisation and remineralisation
what way does caries spread?
laterally - undermining enamel
when caries hits dentine, what processes start to try and prevent the disease?
pulp - dentine complex reacts to protect tooth vitality
reactionary dentine forms - decreasing permeability of tubules and allows pulp to retreat
what type of inflammation of the pulp may occur?
pulpitis - chronic/acute
what occurs once acute inflammation spreads through the pulp?
pulpal necrosis
toxins from the necrosis spread to the root apex and cause what?
acute/chronic periradicular periodontitis
what does pain from a tooth indicate?
inflammation of the pulp
what is reversible pulpitis?
remove infection and restore - pain will resolve
what is irriversible pulpitis?
leads to pulpal necrosis
what can periradicular periodontitis lead to?
abscess - swelling/sinus
what is a periapical/peririadicular abscess caused by?
progression of irriversible pulpitis where exudate extends into the adjacent hard and soft tissues
what is cellulitis?
swelling of soft tissue of the mouth and dace from a diffuse spread of infection and inflammation along facial planes
what is ludwig angina?
progression from severe cellulitis
involves FOM - elevated tongue = difficulty swallowing and breathing
risk of death by asphyxiation
