DENTAL CARIES Dental caries is a Dynamic process characterized by episodic Demineralization and Remineralization, Occurring over time. If destruction predominates it leads to cavitations. Acid is produced as a byproduct of metabolism of dietary Carbohydrates, by plaque Bacteria, which results in drop in PH , at the tooth surface. Calcium & Phosphate ions diffuse out of enamel resulting in demineralization. ENAMEL CARIES:- Appears as white spot, due to demineralization of prisms, in sub surface layer. With continued acid attack, the surface changes from smooth to rough, eventually, Pitting & Cavitations occurs. Enamel pit and fissure caries c an be arrested by latest color coded, tooth colored fillings. DENTINAL CARIES:- Differs from enamel caries in the production of Secondary dentine. Depending on the level of invasion, it can be arrested with appropriate, lining and filling material (OR) by Root Canal Treatment. If caries is neglected, destruction may be gross, amounting to extraction of damaged remnants of the tooth. ARRESTED CARIES:- Under favorable conditions a lesion may become inactive & Regress leaving a drake brown stain. CARIES PREVENTION :- Approaches Possible Tooth strengthening & Protection Reduction in the availability of Microbial substrate Removal of plaque by physical & Chemical means.
Posted on: Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:43:56 +0000