Radiology of Dental Caries

Abstract

Dental caries is a dynamic, preventable, reversible, complex biofilm-mediated, multifactorial disease that involves a series of demineralization/neutrality/remineralization of dental hard tissue in primary and permanent dentition. An imbalance in the continuum with a net demineralization over time results in the initiation of caries lesions. Visual inspection and intraoral radiographs are vital in caries detection, although they are of suboptimal sensitivity for early caries lesions. Shifting toward a conservative, noninvasive approach to caries management has resulted in the development of innovative-sensitive technologies. These newer techniques may serve as adjunct for the dental practitioner in detecting earliest changes in tooth structure.

Keywords: Biofilm; Caries detection; Dental caries; Ecosystem; Fluorescence; Radiography; Reflectance; Sensitivity.