DP03 clinical aspects of dental caries

Question 1

What is caries?

Answer 1

Dissolving of the mineralised tooth tissue by acid produced by bacteria on the surface

Question 2

What factors are needed for caries?

Answer 2

Susceptible tooth structure
Bacteria present
Nutrition for bacteria

Question 3

What are the consequences of caries?

Answer 3

Tooth can decoronate and remain pain-free leading to retained root
Infection occurring at the apex of the tooth from lots of breakdown. Pulp gets infected and becomes necrotic. Causes microclimate of bacteria.
Pain from apical abscess

Question 4

What are the types of caries?

Answer 4

Occlusal caries (class I)
Interproximal caries (class II)
Smooth surface carious lesions (class V)
Root caries
Secondary caries