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

Root Caries (Table 1-3)

The School of Dentistry's criteria recognize two types of carious root lesions.

Early carious root lesions are soft/leathery lesions that cover small areas of the root (less than 5 millimeter square in size) and are not cavitated as seen below.

Advanced root lesions are soft/leathery with a large surface area or a cavity (5 millimeter square or larger) shown below.

Hard and discolored areas with no signs of cavitation should be classified as questionable in the images below.