Explorer probing of root caries lesions: an in vitro study

Abstract

Probing with a dental explorer is the preferred method of root caries diagnoses. However, studies suggest that use of a dental explorer in coronal caries detection may damage tooth structure. This pilot study investigated the effect of probing on remineralization of root surface lesions in vitro. Root-surface lesions were created on 10 extracted teeth by exposing them to a demineralizing solution for 21 days. One side of each lesion was then randomly selected and probed with an explorer, while the other side was not probed. The teeth then were placed in a remineralizing solution containing 10 parts per million (ppm) fluoride for 21 days. Of the 9 teeth with usable sections, all showed frank evidence of defects on the probed halves. Sites of remineralization were seen in the non-probed halves and adjacent to the probed defects, but not within or at the base of these defects. These results suggest that probing of root surfaces may create defects that do not fully remineralize.

The prevalence of the Carabelli cusp in selected Saudi population

“…In cases where the Carabelli structure was absent, caries was not detected which supports the idea that the Carabelli structure presents a foci for plaque accumulation and caries development. The method by which caries was examined, i.e., avoiding apically directed force, might have contributed to the low caries prevalence (Van Dorp et al, 1988;Warren et al, 2003;Yassin, 1995).…”

“…Under efficient light condition, caries presence was examined by pulling the tip of a sharp explorer laterally over the groove created by the cusp looking for stickiness, and avoiding apically directed force (Van Dorp et al, 1988;Warren et al, 2003;Yassin, 1995).…”

Demineralization Depth Using QLF and a Novel Image Processing Software

“…In addition, the demineralization and remineralization processes are not quantifiable to be monitored with the current diagnostic techniques routinely utilized today. The use of an explorer to forcefully probe tooth surfaces may cause damage to newly erupted teeth or create cavitation at superficial lesion sites [19–23]. Radiographs are the most widely used diagnostic technique in conjunction with visible examination, but is limited to interproximal enamel caries detection.…”

Developing of QLF-D for Early Detection of Dental Caries

“…그러나 전통적인 진단 방법 중 탈회와 재광화의 정도를 평가하 거나 감시할 수 있는 방법은 없다. 탐침을 이용한 시진은 갓 맹 출한 법랑질 표면에 손상을 입히거나 표층 병소를 파괴하여 오히 려 와동을 유발하기도 한다 [5][6][7][8][9] . 방사선 촬영은 현재 가장 널리 쓰 이는 진단 장비이지만, 방사선에 노출된다는 단점과 법랑질 우식 이 법랑질 두께 1/2이상 진행되어야만 진단될 수 있다 [10][11][12] .…”