Structure of the Tooth

Question 1

what allows bacteria to attach to the tooth?

Answer 1

saliva which has proteins with receptors for bacteria

Question 2

what part of the tooth has the highest demineralisation with white spot lesions and why

Answer 2

the body as saliva cannot get inside the tooth so demineralisation continues deeper and deeper

Question 3

why should you never touch a white spot lesion with a hard probe

Answer 3

demineralisation occurs on the subsurface of the enamel and can only be brought onto the surface if disturbed with a hard instrument

Question 4

what happens to the crystals with white spot lesions?

Answer 4

thickness of crystals lost, interrod lesions lost

Question 5

with interproximal caries what is the shape of the lesion?

Answer 5

apex of the triangle towards the pulp

Question 6

describe the progression of an interproximal lesion

Answer 6

initial enamel demineralisation, demineralisation of dentine and production of tertiary dentine, enamel collapse as structure lost followed by dentinal tubules, tertiary dentine production

Question 7

what type of surface do inactive lesions have

Answer 7

smooth surface

Question 8

what type of surface do active lesions have

Answer 8

rough

Question 9

describe the stephan curve trend in relation to active lesions

Answer 9

the curve drops very low and persists for longer

Question 10

what is the shape of the lesion in pit and fissure caries

Answer 10

base of triangle to the pulp

Question 11

what direction do dentine tubules mineralise?

Answer 11

outwards to inwards

Question 12

when does fluoride enter the tooth

Answer 12

during demineralisation and remineralisation

Question 13

what aspects of saliva remineralise enamel?

Answer 13

phosphate, calcium and fluoride