Visual Criteria to Diagnose Initial Dental Caries : An Overview

The book discusses the validity of the visual criteria in diagnosing initial caries and attemptes to critique the criteria as well. Early detection of initial dental caries predicts the onset of the deeper carious lesion approaching pulp complex. More sensitive diagnostic criteria identify incipient dental caries. They should be used in planning prevention programs as carious lesions may be more easily controlled. With early caries diagnosis a preventive treatment plan can be made. If the goal of management of dental caries is the preservation of tooth structure and promotion of oral health, then without doubt the early detection of pre-cavitated carious lesions is imperative for achieving it. This textbook provides an overview of the visual & visuo tactile criteria to diagnose initial caries in a comprehensive manner.