Discolored pits or fissures with
no signs of undermining and softness of the area.
Gentle exploring*
Non-cavitated
Enamel: Light or dark brown
discoloration at the base of the pit or fissure with or without
white demineralization at the sides of the pit or fissure that
could be detected visually after cleaning and drying the teeth.
No breakdown in enamel (no cavity) but the area is soft (sticky)
upon gentle exploring.
Dentin: Non-cavitated lesions
in dentin have signs of enamel undermining that show as opacity
or discoloration inside the surface.
Cavitated
An actual hole in the tooth in
which an explorer can easily enter the space. An active cavity
should have soft walls or floors.
Sound
Not questionable, non-cavitated, or cavitated.
A pit or fissure that is "retentive"
to a sharp explorer should not be classified as carious
unless there are other signs of dental caries as described
in this Table.
