The Incipient Caries

Abstract

Caries lesion progression is highly dynamic process characterized by alternating periods of dissolution and redeposition of minerals in the dental hard tissue. When outcome of these processes overtime is a net loss of mineral, a caries lesion develops or progresses. However, when redeposition of mineral predominates, the result may be arrest of lesion progression or remineralization. Clinical observations suggest that caries lesion can be arrested at any stage of lesion development provided that clinically plaque-free conditions are maintained. Hence, the profession must become aware of the importance of identifying the early evidence of disease. The effective dentistry requires early identification of disease, early identification of individual at high risk of developing caries so that they may receive early preventive intervention. The profession needs understand pattern of disease distribution and its determinants and should put efforts for its early caries detection and preventive management strategies.