(Lecture Outline) Dr.Ghada Maghaireh
There is currently no universally accepted classification of the disease. On the basis of clinical features and patterns, dental caries may be classified in many ways: 1. Morphology (Location of the Lesion). 2. Prior condition of the tooth. 3. Dynamics (Rate of destruction of the lesion). 4. Extent of the lesion. 5. Chronology (age). Classification Based on Morphology (Location of the Lesion): I. Crown caries A. Occlusal caries. B. Smooth surface caries II. Root Caries Crown Caries A. Occlusal caries: Occurs in pits and fissures of occlusal surface. It also includes buccal pits of molars, and lingual surface of maxillary anterior teeth. Occlusal caries usually appears earlier in life before smooth surface caries. B. Smooth surface caries: Occurs in the smooth surfaces of the teeth. These includes: Interproximal surface caries occurs at mesial or distal contact points. Cervical or gingival surface caries occurs on buccal or lingual surfaces near the DEJ. Root Caries It is the caries that is initiated at the root portion of the tooth. This type of caries is predominantly found in teeth of older age group with significant gingival recession leading to exposed root surfaces. The bacterial flora causing the root caries may be different from the flora that initiates enamel caries.
Classification Based on Prior condition of the Tooth Primary (initial) Caries: The process attacks the tooth surface for the first Caries: time, regardless of progression or extent. Secondary (Recurrent ) caries: The process attacks the tooth at the margin or margins of an existing restoration, regardless of extension or progression. Classification Based on Severity and Rate of Caries Progression Dental caries may be classified according to the severity and rapidity of attack: I. Acute Caries (Rampant caries). ( II. Chronic Caries. III. Active Caries. IV. Arrested Caries. Acute Caries (Rampant caries) It is