Detection and Assessment of Dental Caries: A Clinical Guide

Abstract

This book explains how to optimize clinical conditions for detection of the earliest visible signs of dental caries and how best to assess caries activity as a basis for effective management. The available evidence from the literature on detection criteria and methods is distilled and placed in a clinical context to facilitate implementation in clinical practice. Guidance is offered on removal of the dental biofilm and the potential impact of various factors on the performance of different caries detection devices. The histological changes that occur during the caries process and their effect on the clinical appearance of caries lesions are explained. In addition, several caries classification systems based on visual detection criteria and designed to allow staging are presented. Consideration is also given to currently marketed detection aids, including methods involving light fluorescence, transillumination, and radiography. In each case, a summary of the detection performance, based on available supporting evidence, is tabulated together with advice on appropriate clinical application. The reader will find the text to be clearly written and informative, with many supporting clinical images. Introduction -- How to prepare teeth for a clinical examination for caries lesions -- Where to look for caries lesions -- The Visual Signs of Caries -- Additional Detection Methods as Aids to Caries Lesion Diagnosis -- What is Caries Activity and how do we assess it? -- Concluding Remarks -- Definitions.