Chapter 33 (dental caries)

Caries appear ______; decreased density in area of decay allows for greater penetration of x-rays.

radiolucent

Which x-ray is the best for caries detection?

posterior BW

What are the 4 locations of caries? What are the 2 special categories of caries?

1. interproximal
2. occlusal
3. buccal and lingual
4. root
1. recurrent
2. rampant

Interproximal caries is seen where?

at or just below the contact

As caries progresses through enamel, it typically assumes a ______ configuration.

triangular

When caries reaches DEJ, it spreads ____ through dentin.

laterally

Interproximal classification by degree of severity:
I = ______
II = ______
III = ______
IV = _____

incipient
moderate
advanced
severe

Incipient is < ____ thru enamel.
Moderate is > _____ thru enamel but NOT to DEJ.
Advanced is thru _____, < _____ way to pulp.
Severe is thru _____, > _____ way to pulp.

1/2
1/2
DEJ; 1/2
DEJ; 1/2

Incipient is Class I: <1/2 through enamel

Moderate is Class II: >1/2 through enamel; not into dentin

Advanced is Class III: involves DEJ but <1/2 way to pulp

Severe is Class IV: >1/2 way to pulp

Occlusal classification by degree of severity:
- incipient is _____ only!!! CANNOT be seen on dental image!
- moderate is thin _____ in dentin below occlusal enamel
- severe is large ______ extending from occlusal

clinical
radiolucency
radiolucency

Moderate occlusal caries: thin radiolucent line

Severe occlusal caries: large radiolucency

Buccal and lingual caries appear as a _____ radiolucency.

circular

Root surface caries:
- _____ only
- below the _____
- _____ radiolucency

roots
CEJ
cupped-out

Recurrent caries:
- ______ area below interproximal margin of restoration
- BW may hide recurrent decay; use _____ for additional info

radiolucent
PA

Rampant caries:
- ______, multiple carious lesions
- affecting _____ teeth

widespread
multiple

What are 4 conditions that resemble caries?

cervical burnout
composites
attrition
abrasion

Cervical burnout:
- only seen in _____ area
- below the _____
- wedge-shaped ______ in mesial and distal cervical areas

cervical
CEJ
radiolucency