Tooth Decay : Tests
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Most cavities are discovered in the early stages during routine checkups. The surface of the tooth may be soft when probed with a sharp instrument. Pain may not be present until the advanced stages of tooth decay. Dental x-rays may show some cavit...
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Tooth decay, which is also called dental cavities or dental caries, is the destruction of the outer surface (enamel) of a tooth. Decay results from the action of bacteria that live in plaque, which is a sticky, whitish film formed by a protein in ...
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Dental caries, also known as tooth decay, is the destruction of the outer surface (enamel) of a tooth. Decay results from the action of bacteria that live in plaque, which is a sticky, whitish film formed by a protein in saliva (mucin) and sugary ...
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Tooth decay, which is also called dental cavities or dental caries, is the destruction of the outer surface (enamel) of a tooth.
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A dental examination is part of an oral examination: the close inspection of the teeth and tissues of the mouth using physical assessment, radiographs, and other diagnostic aids. Dental care begins with this assessment, and is followed by diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
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Dental indices provide a quantitative method for measuring, scoring, and analyzing dental conditions in individuals and groups. An index describes the status of individuals or groups with respect to the condition being measured.
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Dental and periodontal charting provide a graphic description of the conditions in a patient's mouth, including caries (i.e.
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Dental x-rays are a type of picture of the teeth and mouth. X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. They are of higher energy, however, and can penetrate the body to form an image on film. Structures that are dense (such as silver fillings or metal restoration) will block most of the photons and will appear white on developed film. Structures containing air will be black on film, and teeth, tissue, and fluid will appear as shades of gray.
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Dental x rays are pictures taken of the mouth area using high energy photons with very short wavelengths. They show the teeth and surrounding bone.
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Digital technology has spread to the dentist's office. Somewhere between 10 to 30 percent of dentists have forgone film, choosing instead digital X-rays that come with a number of advantages.
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During a physical examination, a health care provider studies a patient's body to determine the presence or absence of physical problems. A typical physical examination includes: Inspection (looking at the body; Palpation (feeling the body with hands; Auscultation (listening to sounds; Percussion (producing sounds.
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