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

Table 1-3: Root caries

Lesion
Description
Questionable Hard discolored area with no cavitation.
Early carious root lesions Soft/leathery lesions that cover small areas of the root (an area less than 5 square mm) and are not cavitated.
Advanced carious root lesions Soft/leathery with a large surface area or a cavity (5 square mm or larger).
Sound Not questionable, non-cavitated, or cavitated.