University of Michigan School of Dentistry logo Caries Diagnosis Risk Assessment and Management - School of Dentistry University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Diagnosis & risk assessment
Principles
Visual Inspection and Use of Explorers
Coronal caries
On smooth tooth enamel
In pits or fissures surface
Root caries
Recurrent caries
Radiographic diagnosis of caries
Caries Management
Introduction  
Diagnosis, Risk Assessment & Management Protocols
1 Pits and Fissures
2 Proximal tooth surfaces
3 Buccal-lingual smooth tooth surfaces
4 Restored tooth surfaces
5 Sealants
6 Root Surfaces
7 Classification of caries risk status
8 Fluoride application
9 Management of patients with high caries risk
Examination and analysis forms
1 Examination Form 1
2 Examination Form 2
Notes
Cariology links
Supporting references
Diagnosis Tables
1-1 Caries in smooth surfaces
1-2 Caries in pits or fissures
1-3 Root caries
1-4 Recurrent caries
1-5 Radiographic caries
2 Dental fluorosis & opacities
 

Introduction

Principles of caries management

Following the principle that dental caries is a dynamic process, caries management should focus on identifying tooth surfaces with questionable caries activities, tooth surfaces with early non-cavitated carious lesions, and dentinal carious lesions that should be cleaned and restored. Each patient, new or regular, should be assessed for caries activity. Primary preventive recommendations should be based on caries risk status.

Protocols for caries diagnosis and management

  1. Pits and fissures
  2. Proximal tooth surfaces
  3. Buccal-lingual smooth tooth surfaces
  4. Restored tooth surfaces
  5. Sealants
  6. Root surfaces
  7. Definition of high caries risk status
  8. Fluoride application
  9. Management of patients with high caries risk

Examination and analysis forms