LP 5 Caries Detection

Question 1

4 methods of caries detection

Answer 1

1. visual
2. exploration
3. radiographic
4. technological

Question 2

Visual components of caries detection

Answer 2

• dry each tooth
• white, grayish-white
• yellow-brown to dark brown
• dull, loss of transillumination

Question 3

Exploration components of caries detection

Answer 3

• 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

Question 4

what x-rays are of choice for caries detection and why?

Answer 4

-BWX due to parallelism between tooth and film

Question 5

what color do caries appear on x-rays

Answer 5

radiolucent

Question 6

what is the most common reason for taking x-rays?

Answer 6

to check for caries

Question 7

where will most interproximal caries appear?

Answer 7

at the point of contact

Question 8

how much loss of calcium and phosphorus must there be before the density has decreased to the point of viewing caries on x-rays.

Answer 8

40-50%

Question 9

T/F: the depth of penetration of a carious lesion is less deep clinically that is appears on an x-ray

Answer 9

False; it is deeper clinically than it appears radiographically

Question 10

is it possible to see the lesion clinically and not radiographically?

Answer 10

yes

Question 11

what are the 4 sections of caries depth grading system

Answer 11

1. incipient C-1
2. Moderate C-2
3. Advanced C-3
4. Severe C-4

Question 12

Incipient characteristics

Answer 12

-penetrates less than halfway through the enamel towards the DEJ

Question 13

Moderate characteristics

Answer 13

• penetrated over halfway through the enamel towards the DEJ but not reaching the DEJ
• only seen on enamel

Question 14

Advanced characteristics

Answer 14

• penetrating enamel and dentin at or through the DEJ but less than halfway through the dentin towards the pulp
• seen in enamel and dentin

Question 15

Severe characteristics

Answer 15

• penetrating through enamel and dentin over halfway through the dentin towards the pulp
• seen in both enamel and dentin

Question 16

what locations can caries be classified as

Answer 16

1. proximal/interproximal
2. occlusal
3. buccal/lingual
4. cemental
5. recurrent

Question 17

characteristics of proximal/interproximal caries

Answer 17

• point of contact

- appears to be a notch then progresses to a triangle

Question 18

characteristics of occlusal caries

Answer 18

• most common
• C1 or C2 may not appear
• shows a radiolucent line

Question 19

characteristics of buccal/lingual caries

Answer 19

• C1 and C2 is almost impossible to see on radiographs

- Impossible to tell the depths of the caries

Question 20

characteristics of cemental caries

Answer 20

• bone loss and recession are necessary to have caries at this location
• can appear on all surfaces of root

Question 21

characteristics of recurrent caries

Answer 21

• radiolucent area under existing restoration

- due to poor cavity prep, defective margins, or incomplete removal of placement of restoration

Question 22

3 conditions resembling caries

Answer 22

1. non-metallic restorations
2. cervical burnout
3. mach band affect

Question 23

cervical burnout shape

Answer 23

irregularly shaped radiolucent area with fuzzy outlines on the M and D margin

Question 24

what is the mach band affect?

Answer 24

overlapping of teeth