Naslov
Dental Caries

Autori
Marović, Danijela

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Poglavlja u knjigama, pregledni

Knjiga
Restorative Dental Medicine

Urednik/ci
Tarle, Zrinka

Izdavač
Medicinska naklada

Grad
Zagreb

Godina
2021

Raspon stranica
66-101

ISBN
978-953-368-003-3

Ključne riječi
dental caries ; dental plaque ; classification ; caries risk ; treatment plan

Sažetak
Dental caries is demineralisation of hard dental tissue caused by acidic metabolic products originating from biofilm (dental plaque) that covers the affected area. After food ingestion, the pH level in the mouth drops due to the decomposition of low molecular weight carbohydrates like sucrose, which diffuses into dental plaque. In anaerobic conditions of mature plaque, carbohydrates are decomposed into lactic acid. Prolonged influence of acidic metabolic products on the previously intact enamel results in superficial softening of enamel, which further advances to a white spot lesion and an advanced enamel carious lesion. Dentine is more susceptible to the influence of acidic metabolic products of dental plaque because of the higher organic matter content. Besides that, its structure enables penetration of bacteria through dentinal tubules, and caries advances much faster through it. There are numerous classifications of caries lesions: according to activity, location, chronology, clinical appearance, according to Black, according to Mount ; but the contemporary ICDAS classification of caries is considered to be the most comprehensive and scientifically based, with clear therapeutic guidelines. Caries diagnosis must contain caries risk assessment for the patient and caries detection. Caries detection consists of identification of the carious lesion, evaluation of its extension and activity, while caries diagnosis is comprehensive, and it is used to comprehend the cause of the disease. Caries is most often detected using a visual-tactile method. Auxiliary techniques such as transillumination, bitewing radiographs, light, i.e. laser-induced fluorescence detection of the carious lesion, and detection of caries with electric energy, increase the share of discovered early carious lesions. Caries risk is the risk of development of new carious lesions in an individual. The primary purpose of caries risk assessment is selecting high-risk patients in which caries can be prevented, and the progression of existing lesions can be reduced, thus minimizing the need for restorative procedures. Tools for caries risk assessment include particular forms or programs which, based on imported data on the patient's environmental or biological factors (saliva, diet, oral hygiene, fluoride use), categorise patients and help choose the suitable treatment, non- operative, operative or both. Non-operative treatment is taking an increasing role in treating carious lesions. The paradigm of understanding caries as an infectious disease, whose cause must be eradicated instead of just treating its consequence, is becoming dominant in contemporary dental medicine. That is why it is recommended to reduce the number of microorganisms in the mouth and change harmful habits. Only then the irreversibly caries-damaged hard dental tissues are treated, using the principle of minimally invasive removal. Non- operative treatment of carious lesions is a broad concept that encompasses numerous procedures, which can be divided into plaque control, implementation of fluorides and antimicrobial agents, and a change of diet.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Dentalna medicina

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