Radiographic Interpretation of Dental Caries Flashcards
Dental caries is a common __ disease
chronic
90% of adults experience dental caries before __ years of age
30
Percentage of dental caries among youth aged 2-19 years
50%
Multifunctional disease involving many complex risk and protective factors
Dental Caries
Carious lesions are characterized by __ destruction of teeth by __
localized
microorganisms (acid demineralization)
Caries is a dynamic process, explain -
Balance between demineralization and remineralization
Metabolic microbial organic acids
- Decrease in pH
- shift toward demineralization
- dissolution of Ca and PO4
Demineralization
Teeth are very __ and absorb __ x-rays
dense
more
(gums, cheeks, pulp are less dense - x-rays pass through more easily)
Demineralization results in __
less tissue density (less absorbed x-ray photons)
5 possible sites of carious lesions
Occlusal / pits and fissures
Recurrent / secondary
Smooth surface / facial/lingual
Root / radicular
Inter-proximal
Are occlusal caries detectable on radiographs
No
Initial stage of occlusal caries are incipient lesion (enamel only), and not
detected radiographically
When can we detect occlusal caries radiographically
When lesions are most likely in to dentin
How can you tell that occlusal caries are into dentin
Diffuse radiolucency below enamel occlusal surface
(As lesions progress, disruption of enamel may become evident)
(Advanced lesions may show direct pulp involvement)
Radiographs __ lesions
underestimate
Caries adjacent to margins of restorations
Secondary lesions / recurrent carries
Diffuse radiolucency below restorations
recurrent carries
Usually found close to gingival margin facial or lingual
Smooth surface carries