L11: Root caries

Question 1

what are the aetiological factors of root caries?

Answer 1

Root exposure
Oral Hygiene
Denture wearing
Diet
Saliva
Fluoride
Occlusion
Cariogenic micro-organisms

Question 2

what are the carious micro-organisms that can cause root caries?

Answer 2

S.Mutans

S.Sobrinus

Question 3

how does dentine become exposed at the gingival margin?

Answer 3

once gingiva is exposed, the cementum very quickly wears away leaving exposed dentine

Question 4

generally, what are the clinical features of an active lesion?

Answer 4

Well defined, soft, yellowish/light brown, covered by visible plaque

Question 5

generally, what are the clinical features of a slowly progressing lesion?

Answer 5

brownish black/ leathery

Question 6

generally, what are the clinical features of an arrested lesion?

Answer 6

Shiny, smooth, hard, no microbial deposits

Question 7

what are the risk factors for caries (based on history)

Answer 7

• Existing or recent history of caries
• No dental visit in the past 6 months
• Limited lifetime exposure to water fluoridation
• Brushes once a day or less
• Saliva reducing factors (medications/radiation/systemic factors)
• Frequent (>3 times daily) snacking between meals
• Health behaviour risk indicators (smoking, eating disorders)
• Low socioeconomic status and/or impaired cognitive ability
• Low educational level

Question 8

risk factor for caries (based on clinical examination)

Answer 8

• Medium or high Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus counts
• Inadequate saliva flow by observation or measurement
• Large number of filled teeth
• Visible heavy plaque
• Recession with exposed roots
• Defective restorations with open margins
• Fixed dental prostheses
• Removable dental prostheses
• Noncavitated lesions

Question 9

what are the caries detection systems?

Answer 9

Caries Detector dyes
Electrical Caries Monitor (ECM)
Fibre-Optic Transillumination
Laser Fluoresence System (DIAGNOdent

Question 10

what is an ECM?

Answer 10

electrical cares monitor
-sound tooth tissue is a good insulator whereas demineralised tooth tissue is a poor insulator (as it contains large quantities of water)

Question 11

what is FOTI?

Answer 11

Fibre Optic transillumination
-a bright light, lesions = varying light scattering.
early caries: increased opacity of enamel/dentine

Question 12

what is DIAGNOdent?

Answer 12

A laser-based fluorescence caries detector
-measures the laser fluorescence in the rooth structure.
sound tooth little or no fluorescence = low scale reading on the display