Week 7 Cariology Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is cariology?
The study of dental caries and its effects on teeth.
Cariology includes the examination of both macro and microscopic appearances of dental caries.
What is dental caries?
A multifactorial disease resulting from the dissolution of the mineral structure of teeth by acids produced by bacteria.
Affects the crown or root surface of any tooth and is a dental health issue for all age groups.
What groups of the population are most at risk for dental caries?
All age groups are affected by dental caries, but certain populations may be more vulnerable due to factors like oral hygiene and diet.
What characterizes the early stages of dental caries?
May be asymptomatic and can be reversed by fluorides and CPP-ACP.
CPP-ACP stands for Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate.
What occurs in the later stages of dental caries?
A cavity may form requiring a filling to restore form and function. May cause pain and infection if left untreated.
Where do carious lesions commonly occur?
In the following areas:
* Pits and fissures
* Smooth surfaces
* Facial and lingual surfaces
* Interproximal surfaces (mesial and distal)
* Root surfaces
* Secondary/recurrent caries
What are the possible statuses of an incipient lesion?
An incipient lesion can be:
* Arrested
* Reversed
* Overt, which requires operative intervention.
What is a physical feature of the incipient lesion?
Opacity in enamel, also known as a white spot lesion.
This may appear localized or extend along the entire gingival area.
What are the macroscopic features of the incipient enamel lesion?
The surface appears intact but is more porous than sound enamel, with altered color and texture:
* Loss of transparency
* Opaque chalky white spot lesion
* Softened (decalcified)
What characterizes the microscopic features of the incipient enamel lesion?
Minimal damage to the outer surface layer with considerable demineralisation in the subsurface layer.
What are the histological zones of demineralisation in enamel?
The zones are:
* Surface zone: ~10% mineral loss
* Body of lesion: ~25% mineral loss
* Dark zone: occurs in 90–95% of lesions
* Translucent zone: occurs in 50% of lesions
How do enamel lesions typically shape?
Lesions follow the direction of enamel rods, with pit and fissure lesions fanning out due to rod direction.
What are the macroscopic features of an advanced enamel lesion?
Altered color indicating:
* Intact but undermined enamel: creamy white → orange → blue-grey
* Dark shadow under transillumination
* Cavitation with color change similar to dentin
What are the macroscopic features of dentine affected by caries?
Altered color:
* Normal yellow → orange/brown → black
Altered texture: softened (decalcified), gross caries have a cheesy texture.
What are the microscopic features of dentine affected by caries?
The zones include:
* Zone of Destruction: necrotic, soft, decalcified, bacteria present
* Zone of Bacterial Invasion: decalcified but recognizable, bacteria present
* Zone of Demineralisation: decalcified, recognizable, bacteria absent.
What is the typical shape of dentine lesions?
Spread laterally along the DEJ and inward along tubules with a cone-shaped outline: base at DEJ, apex toward pulp.
