Radiology Chapter 32

21 cards   |   Total Attempts: 182
  

Cards In This Set

Front Back
Caries
Tooth decay. The localized destruction of teeth by microorganisms. It causes decalcification of enamel, destruction of enamel and dentin, and cavitation of teeth. Appears radiolucent.
Cavity
A carious lesion or an area of tooth decay.
Cavitation
Hole in a tooth that is the result of the caries process. Appears radiolucent.
Detection of caries
Both careful clinical examination and a radiographic examination are necessary.
Clinical examination of caries
Some can be detected by looking in the mouth. Checked with a mirror and explorer for catches or tug back. Occlusal surfaces may show dark staining in the fissures, pits, and grooves. Smooth surfaces may exhibit a chalky white spot or opacity. Interproximal areas are hard to detect but can be detected on radiograhs.
Radiographic examination
Useful in detection because of the nature of this disease process. Carious lesions appear radiolucent. Bite wing radiograph is usually used but can also use a periapical radiograph using the paralleling technique.
Interpretation of caries
All films must be properly mounted and viewed on a viewbox. A pocket sized magnifying glass is also helpful. View in the presence of the patient. Radiographs must be of diagnostic quality with proper contrast and density and without overlap.
Radiographic classification of caries
Location (interproximal, occlusal, buccal, lingual, and root surfaces), recurrent and rampant
Interproximal caries
Caries found between two teeth. Typically seen at or just below (apical to) the contact point. They can be classified according to the depth of penetration of the lesion through the enamel and dentin. Can be classified as incipient, moderate, advanced, and severe.
Incipient interproximal caries
Beginning to exist or appear. Extends less than halfway through the thickness of enamel. Class I seen in enamel only.
Moderate interproximal caries
Extends more than halfway through the thickness of enamel but does not involve the DEJ Class II seen in enamel only.
Advanced interproximal caries
Extends to or through the DEJ and into dentin but does not extend through the dentin more than half the distance toward the pulp. Class III affects both enamel and dentin.
Severe interproximal caries
Extends through enamel, through the dentin, and more than half the distance toward the pulp. Class IV involves both enamel and dentin and may appear clinically as a cavitation in the tooth.
Occlusal caries
Caries that involve the chewing surface of the posterior teeth. Usually detected with thorough clinical exam. Difficult to see on radiographs because of the superimposition of the dense buccal and lingual enamel cusps. Can be classified as incipient, moderate, or severe.
Incipient occlusal caries
Cannot be seen on a dental radiograph and must be detected clinically with an explorer.