This is part of a series entitled Caries Process and Prevention Strategies. This course introduces the dental professional to the importance of caries diagnosis in prevention of the disease, as well as the intricate link between caries diagnosis and treatment. The two main methods of lesion diagnosis used today-the visual-tactile or visual methods and bitewing radiography-are discussed, including recent advancements that improve their sensitivity, as well as their limitations. Topics also include newer approaches to caries diagnosis and management, a brief discussion of why too-early caries lesion diagnosis can be counterproductive and the benefits of enlisting the help of pediatricians in diagnosing caries in children.
Introduction
This is part of a series entitled Caries Process and Prevention Strategies. This course introduces the dental professional to the importance of caries diagnosis in prevention of the disease, as well as the intricate link between caries diagnosis and treatment. The two main methods of lesion diagnosis used today—the visual–tactile or visual methods and bitewing radiography—are discussed, including recent advancements that improve their sensitivity, as well as their limitations. Topics also include newer approaches to caries diagnosis and management, a brief discussion of why too-early caries lesion diagnosis can be counterproductive and the benefits of enlisting the help of pediatricians in diagnosing caries in children.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement
Disclaimer: Participants must always be aware of the hazards of using limited knowledge in integrating new techniques or procedures into their practice. Only sound evidence-based dentistry should be used in patient therapy.
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RELATED COURSES
Robert V. Faller BS
This is part 10 of a 10-part series entitled Caries Process and Prevention Strategies. This course introduces the dental professional to risk terminology, and methods for identifying caries-causing factors and assessing a patient's risk for developing dental caries. It also outlines a risk protocol that can be used with patients.
Intended Audience:
Dentists, Dental Hygienists and Therapists, Dental Nurses, Dental Students, Dental Therapy Students, Dental Nursing Students, Student, Dental Therapists
Susan Higham BSc, PhD, CBiol, MRSB; Chris Hope BSc (Hons), PhD, FHEA; Sabeel Valappil BSc, MSc, PhD, PGCertEd, FHEA; Phil Smith BDS, MDS, PhD, FDS, DRD, MRD, FDS (Rest Dent) RCS (Edin), FHEA
This is part 4 of a 10-part series entitled Caries Process and Prevention Strategies. In this course, the role of fermentable carbohydrates is discussed, paying particular attention to how caries can be influenced by the cariogenic potential of ingested sugars and starches, the physical traits of ingested carbohydrates (such as their adhesiveness), and the frequency of intake and exposure to sugars. The Stephan curve, which illustrates the dental pH changes over time in response to a carbohydrate challenge, is also introduced, with a discussion of how factors such as the type of carbohydrate, the buffering capacity of saliva, and the type and amount of bacteria present in plaque affect dental plaque pH responses.
Intended Audience:
Dentists, Dental Therapists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Nurses, Dental Students, Dental Therapy Students, Dental Hygiene Students, Dental Nursing Students