Symptoms and diagnosis of caries
On the surface of the teeth of a thin film form called plaque bacteria. These bacteria feed on sugars that are deposited on the teeth after every meal. Bacteria ferment sugar producing plaque acid attack, causing damage to the tooth enamel (favoring acids mineral loss).
The enamel loses calcium and phosphate minerals and small lesions are formed. If this process continues, the initial injury will form the cavities and, if untreated, will spread to the dentin.
Clinical forms, symptoms and diagnosis of caries
Below is a topographic caries classification is as follows:
Caries points, grooves and fissures
Clinic
- Change point coloration, groove or fissure, which begins to be discolored chalky white then brown or black tones.
- Opaque area surrounding the dyed macro defect.
- Cavity in the enamel.
- Usually no symptoms are seen except when decay is widespread, and the patient, in these cases, may notice some sensitivity, especially to cold, heat and sweets.
Diagnosis
- Visual inspection, scanning probe radiography.
Smooth surface caries
Clinic
- Typical white patch of incipient caries, which are characterized by their chalk white.
- They can be pigmented and become brown or yellow.
- Cavitation enamel.
Diagnosis
- As decay points, grooves and fissures, adding occlusal radiographs.
Root caries
Clinic
- Acute early root caries often cause painful symptoms for its proximity to the pulp.
Diagnosis
- Visual inspection and radiography.