Description As the proximal surface is not under
direct occlusal load the demineralised surface may remain
undisturbed for some time after the lesion has commenced.
Therefore, this is a prime site for remineralisation and
healing. The use of a probe to explore these surfaces is
strictly contra-indicated and it may be desirable to determine
the presence or absence of surface cavitation before deciding
the classification.
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There
is an apparent “white spot lesion” in the region
of the contact area but the surface is still smooth.
The tooth shown
in Figure 1 has been sectioned to show the extent of the
lesion with dentine involvement. However, it is still possible
to remineralise this lesion following elimination of the
disease.
A Bitewing radiograph
that poses the question - is there a need to restore the
lesion on the distal of the upper second bicuspid or can
it be healed?
There is an
area of demineralisation on the distal of the first molar
and the question is whether to cut a cavity or not. The teeth
are being separated with an orthodontic rubber ring for 48
hours.
Sufficient space
has been gained to be able to take a limited impression of
the interproximal surfaces to determine the presence or absence
of cavitation.
The impression
shows that there is no surface cavitation.
Treatment will consist of elimination of the bacteria and
the application of a fluoride varnish.
