LP 5 Caries Detection Flashcards
4 methods of caries detection
- visual
- exploration
- radiographic
- technological
Visual components of caries detection
- dry each tooth
- white, grayish-white
- yellow-brown to dark brown
- dull, loss of transillumination
Exploration components of caries detection
- dry each tooth
- smooth surfaces: gently touch the side of the tooth for irregularities
- occlusal surfaces: place the tip of the explorer into the pit/fissures checking for resistance with removal
- use shepherds hook explorer
what x-rays are of choice for caries detection and why?
-BWX due to parallelism between tooth and film
what color do caries appear on x-rays
radiolucent
what is the most common reason for taking x-rays?
to check for caries
where will most interproximal caries appear?
at the point of contact
how much loss of calcium and phosphorus must there be before the density has decreased to the point of viewing caries on x-rays.
40-50%
T/F: the depth of penetration of a carious lesion is less deep clinically that is appears on an x-ray
False; it is deeper clinically than it appears radiographically
is it possible to see the lesion clinically and not radiographically?
yes
what are the 4 sections of caries depth grading system
- incipient C-1
- Moderate C-2
- Advanced C-3
- Severe C-4
Incipient characteristics
-penetrates less than halfway through the enamel towards the DEJ
Moderate characteristics
- penetrated over halfway through the enamel towards the DEJ but not reaching the DEJ
- only seen on enamel
Advanced characteristics
- penetrating enamel and dentin at or through the DEJ but less than halfway through the dentin towards the pulp
- seen in enamel and dentin
Severe characteristics
- penetrating through enamel and dentin over halfway through the dentin towards the pulp
- seen in both enamel and dentin
what locations can caries be classified as
- proximal/interproximal
- occlusal
- buccal/lingual
- cemental
- recurrent
characteristics of proximal/interproximal caries
- point of contact
- appears to be a notch then progresses to a triangle
characteristics of occlusal caries
- most common
- C1 or C2 may not appear
- shows a radiolucent line
characteristics of buccal/lingual caries
- C1 and C2 is almost impossible to see on radiographs
- Impossible to tell the depths of the caries
characteristics of cemental caries
- bone loss and recession are necessary to have caries at this location
- can appear on all surfaces of root
characteristics of recurrent caries
- radiolucent area under existing restoration
- due to poor cavity prep, defective margins, or incomplete removal of placement of restoration
3 conditions resembling caries
- non-metallic restorations
- cervical burnout
- mach band affect
cervical burnout shape
irregularly shaped radiolucent area with fuzzy outlines on the M and D margin
what is the mach band affect?
overlapping of teeth
