Q: The image highlights which type of caries?
A. Recurrent caries
B. Class I caries
C. Class V caries
D. Class IV caries
The magnifier points at a dark area “under” the restoration. Those caries that come back after the tooth has been treated are called recurrent caries. This type of carious lesion is not uncommon, and therefore, it is important for us Future Dental Assistants to pay attention to areas under restorations when we examine the radiographs. Especially pay attention to this detail when you are taking the DANB® Exams (RHS®, GC, NELDA®, CDA® etc). Find an awesome summary that works for you!
Answer: (A). Recurrent caries
As the word imply, an “INlay” is “INside” a tooth cusp. Let’s look at the rest of caries using G.V. Black classification:
- Class I: pits and fissures on the occlusal, buccal, or lingual surface of posteriors; and lingual surface of anteriors.
- Class II: proximal surface of posteriors.
- Class III: proximal surface of anteriors.
- Class IV: proximal surface of anteriors, including incisal edge.
- Class V: gingival third of facial or lingual surface of anteriors and posteriors.
- Class VI: cusp tip of molars, premolars, or canines.
According to G.V. Black classification, the area highlighted in the image would be considered Class II because the lesion is located interproximally on a posterior tooth. G.V. Black classification for caries is not the only way to chart caries but it is certainly one of the most commonly used tools. For this reason, the Dental Assisting Board Exams (especially the DANB GC (General Chairside) Exam) may very well include questions about those classes. Make sure you know exactly what those 6 classes of caries are and apply this knowledge when examining radiographs.
When you go take your Dental Assisting Board Exams (CDA® Exam, NELDA® Exam, CPFDA® Exam) in the United States, you will have the chance to write down some notes on a plastic board or computer notepad. Use the tools to write down some important information such as blood pressure, caries classifications, or ASA classifications. This would be your own cheat sheet that can serve you for the rest of the exam.
Have another amazing day. Keep pushing forward and if you need someone to talk to, contact me at ClaireJ@SmarterDA.com.
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Author: Claire RDH, MS
Claire is the founder of StudentRDH and SmarterDA– exams prep solutions for the dental hygiene and dental assisting students. The online solutions deliver content of the highest quality through the latest e-learning technology. According to some students, studying is now “addictive!” Prior to her career in the dental field, Claire was an education specialist at Boston Children’s Museum. Claire is licensed to practice in the United States as well as Canada.
Disclaimer: DANB®, NELDA®, CPFDA®, RHS®, and CDA® are registered trademarks of the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (“DANB”). This article is not sponsored or endorsed by or affiliated with the DANB.