Excavating Carious Tooth Structure

Question 1

On an extracted tooth with large caries, what is used to remove enamel from around the perimeter of the cavity until a sound DEJ is encountered?

Answer 1

245 rounded straight fissure bur in high speed HP

Question 2

Name the 3 criteria for a sound DEJ:

Answer 2

1. no unsupported enamel left - normally, enamelis firmly attached to underlying dentin - unsupported enamel is not backed up by dental and extends out from perimeter of cavity and can be easily chipped
2. Enamel and dentin at interface are firm and solid
3. No staining or demineralization at the interface

Question 3

carious enamel can be described as…

Answer 3

soft

chalky

Question 4

carious dentin can be described as…

Answer 4

soft
leathery
tacky

Question 5

what does one use to remove carious dentin from an extracted tooth

Answer 5

largest round bur that can fit

low speed HP

Question 6

Describe sound dentin

Answer 6

Glassy smooth
hard to the explorer
may be stained (even darkly)
dull matte finish

Question 7

How to check for carious vs. sound dentin

Answer 7

Use explorer with light pen-grasp (a firm grip reduces tactile sensitivity)
Gently move side to side to feel drag
No not poke - damages tissue and risks pulpal exposure