Caries Flashcards
(48 cards)
How much can fluoride varnish application decrease caries in primary teeth?
Up to 39%
How much can fluoride varnish application decrease caries in the permanent dentition?
43%
What are the advantages of fluoride varnish?
It is safe.
Accepted by patients and dental staff.
Simple to perform.
Requires minimal training.
The dentist knows the teeth have received fluoride treatment.
What are the disadvantages of fluoride varnish?
It can cause swelling of the oral mucosa, ulcerative gingivitis and stomatitis in a patient that has a tendency towards allergic reactions.
Some may be allergic to colophony.
Contains alcohol.
Some may experience gastric sensitivity.
What is the dose for fluoride varnish for the deciduous dentition?
0.25ml
What is the dose for fluoride varnish for the mixed dentition?
0.4ml
What is the dose for fluoride varnish for the permanent dentition?
0.75ml
What is the aim of fissure sealants?
To prevent caries progression in pits and fissures.
When are fissure sealants indicated?
Poor oral hygiene
Deep fissure pattern
History of caries
Family history of caries
High sugar diet
Special needs
Irregular attender
When is a sealant restoration indicated?
When there is pit and fissure caries confined to one area of the fissure system.
What are the advantages of a rubber dam?
Increases patient comfort.
Prevents moisture contamination.
Retracts and controls soft tissue.
Protects against inhalation, swallowing debris.
Provides optimal visibility.
Controls aerosols.
Excludes salivary borne bacteria from site.
Protects against noxious materials.
What is the definition of caries?
It is a multifactorial, transmissible, infectious oral disease caused primarily by the complex interaction of cariogenic oral flora with fermentable dietary carbohydrates over time.
What is calcium hydroxyapatite?
An inorganic compound composed of calcium, phosphate and hydroxide found in the bones and teeth in a crystalised lattice-like form that gives rigidity.
What aggregations is the plaque made up of?
Bacteria.
Bacterial products.
Pellicle.
How does plaque form?
The pellicle forms on the tooth surface which allows plaque to ‘stick’.
Early colonisers such as streptococcus stick to the pellicle.
Streptococcus create an environment desired by other colonizers.
Later colonisers are porphyromonas gingivalis and actinomyces.
What is demineralisation?
In acidic conditions, S Mutans and lactobacillus generate a high H+ concentration, which causes the loss of minerals such as calcium and phosphate from the enamel.
What is remineralisation?
With no carbohydrates, the bacteria become inactive. The pH increases above 5.5 and the mineral is replaced in the tooth from the saliva. Above 5.5 healthy commensals proliferate. A low H+ concentrate leads to calcium diffusing back into the lesion.
What can effect plaque pH?
Bicarbonate buffering and saliva neutralisation.
What are the histological changes in enamel during caries?
Loos of polysaccharides
Transverse striations
Accentuated lines of Retzius
Dissintegration of enamel prisms.
What is an early caries lesion?
A white spot on the enamel surface.
It is intact.
Can be remineralised.
Describe the Translucent zone in caries.
It lies where the lesion is advancing. It is more porous than sound enamel.
Describe the dark zone in caries progression.
Formed due to demineralisation.
Describe the body of the lesion in caries.
Found between the surface and the dark zone.
Area of greatest demineralisation.
Describe zone 4 in caries progression.
The outer layer of enamel.
Usually not cavitated due to constant remineralisation.
