5 - Radiographic Interpretation of
Dental Caries Exam Questions &
Answers (Grade A+)
Caries is.. -
correct answer ✅A dynamic process with periods of
demineralization and remineralization corresponding to active and
arrested lesions.
Radiographic Caries Detection in context: -
correct answer ✅Clinical exam always necessary.
Visual access to occlusal surface is excellent.
Clinical access to proximal surface is often limited.
Radiographic exams very helpful, especially for proximal surfaces.
Caries (demineralized areas) appear radiolucent with moderately
diffuse borders.
Radiography cannot reveal whether a lesion is active or
arrested(unless compared to previous images, in which similar
image geometry is important to accurately estimate lesion size.)
, 5 - Radiographic Interpretation of
Dental Caries Exam Questions &
Answers (Grade A+)
Radiographic Exam Choice: Bitewings -
correct answer ✅Best to assess for proximal and occlusal caries -
avoid overlap of the proximal surfaces (closed contacts).
Radiographic Exam Choice: Periapicals -
correct answer ✅Good for occlusal caries, okay for proximal caries.
Radiographic Exam Choice: Panoramic -
correct answer ✅Only if lesion is large.
Newer panoramic units have an "extraoral bitewing" protocol; not
bad, but beware of artifacts that imitate caries (false positives)
Radiographic Exam Choice: CBCT -
correct answer ✅Not for dedicated caries diagnosis: beware of
artifacts that imitate caries, but diagnose large lesions when you
see them.
Radiographic Appearance of Caries: Incipient caries -
correct answer ✅Dark or radiolucent area on the surface
Dental Caries Exam Questions &
Answers (Grade A+)
Caries is.. -
correct answer ✅A dynamic process with periods of
demineralization and remineralization corresponding to active and
arrested lesions.
Radiographic Caries Detection in context: -
correct answer ✅Clinical exam always necessary.
Visual access to occlusal surface is excellent.
Clinical access to proximal surface is often limited.
Radiographic exams very helpful, especially for proximal surfaces.
Caries (demineralized areas) appear radiolucent with moderately
diffuse borders.
Radiography cannot reveal whether a lesion is active or
arrested(unless compared to previous images, in which similar
image geometry is important to accurately estimate lesion size.)
, 5 - Radiographic Interpretation of
Dental Caries Exam Questions &
Answers (Grade A+)
Radiographic Exam Choice: Bitewings -
correct answer ✅Best to assess for proximal and occlusal caries -
avoid overlap of the proximal surfaces (closed contacts).
Radiographic Exam Choice: Periapicals -
correct answer ✅Good for occlusal caries, okay for proximal caries.
Radiographic Exam Choice: Panoramic -
correct answer ✅Only if lesion is large.
Newer panoramic units have an "extraoral bitewing" protocol; not
bad, but beware of artifacts that imitate caries (false positives)
Radiographic Exam Choice: CBCT -
correct answer ✅Not for dedicated caries diagnosis: beware of
artifacts that imitate caries, but diagnose large lesions when you
see them.
Radiographic Appearance of Caries: Incipient caries -
correct answer ✅Dark or radiolucent area on the surface
