Caries Symposium 2&3

Question 1

What is etiopathology?

Answer 1

• Consideration of the cause of an abnormal state or finding

Question 2

What are the 4 things needed for caries to develop?

Answer 2

• Bacteria (dental plaque)
• Susceptible tooth surface
• Substrate (diet)
• Time

Question 3

What are the secondary elements that contribute to the production of caries? (6 points)

Answer 3

• Social class
• Income
• Knowledge
• Attitudes
• Behaviour
• Education

Question 4

What is caries?

Answer 4

• Demineralisation of tooth surface produced by bacteria that have produced acid

Question 5

How deep does caries go?

Answer 5

• As deep as it progresses

Question 6

Can demineralised tissue be repaired?

Answer 6

• Initially, demineralization can be arrested and remineralization can be promoted, for example, by the use of topical fluoride gels or varnishes
• If early enamel demineralisation is not treated to arrest the damage, and its causes are not eliminated, it may be necessary to cut out the weakened tooth enamel and place some type of dental restoration - which is certainly indicated if the demineralisation extends into the dentin layer of the tooth or produces an irregular, plaque-retentive enamel surface
• Prevention is preferred, avoid doing restorative procedures = gives better life to the patient

Question 7

What happens to the subsurface of enamel when there is a lesion?

Answer 7

• It is lost

Question 8

What happens to the gaps between enamel rods in an enamel lesion?

Answer 8

• Enlarged gaps

Question 9

What is a white spot lesion?

Answer 9

• The first sign of demineralisation of the enamel surface of a tooth; produces a chalky white appearance

Question 10

In a white spot lesion, what happens to the enamel rods?

Answer 10

They become thinner and round shaped

Question 11

An active white spot lesion is chalky in colour, what do they look like as they remineralize?

Answer 11

• They become brighter

Question 12

Where should white spot lesions be found if they are active/inactive?

Answer 12

Active - At the gingival margin

Inactive - Not at the gingival margin

Question 13

Microscopically what does an active white spot lesion look like?

Answer 13

• Rough surface

- Gaps, blobby arrangement

Question 14

Microscopically what does an inactive white spot lesion look like?

Answer 14

• Smoother surface

Question 15

Where are where spot lesions commonly found?

Answer 15

• In pits and fissures

- Along the gingival margin

Question 16

What is sclerotic dentin?

Answer 16

• Dentin characterised by calcification of the dentinal tubules as a result of injury or normal aging
• Tertiary dentine

Question 17

What is another name for sclerotic dentine?

Answer 17

• Tertiary dentine

Question 18

When the caries reaches dentine it will spread quickly. Why is this?

Answer 18

• When dentinal tubules reach the ADJ they spread - so caries spread quickly

Question 19

What happens to the enamel rods length in an enamel lesion?

Answer 19

• Length is preserved