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Dental Cariesis one of the most common human diseases. Main cause of dental caries is the loss of minerals from the tooth enamel due to the action of acids produced by dental plaque. Dental caries results in defective tooth structure, sometimes requiring repair.
Susceptible Sites
- Pits and fissures
- Approximal surfaces
- The cervical margin
- The margins of restorations
Symptoms of Caries
Early caries may have no symptoms.
Tooth decay begins with a small patch of demineralized enamel at the tooth surface, often hidden from sight in the fissures or in between the teeth. At this phase tooth decay can be identified visually only by dentist.
When the decay has progressed deeper in the dentine, the teeth may be sensitive to sweet foods or to hot and cold temperatures.
Later, when the cavity has reached the pulp, the acute pain or swelling will be a clear sign of dental caries.
Methods of examination
- Visual examination
- Probing
- Temperature test
- Bitewing radiographs
- Transmitted light examination
Three approaches to the management of active caries
- Arrest the disease by preventive, nonoperative treatment
- Remove and replace the carious tissues (operative dentistry)
- Extract the tooth
Preventive Non Operative Treatment
- Mechanical plaque control
- Dietary advice
- Use of fluoride
- Pit and fissure sealants
- Enamoplasty
The role of Operative Dentistry
To facilitate plaque control &
To restore appearance、form、function.
Dr. T. Mohabeer BDS