Academy of Dental Knowledge

Lecture Series on Dental Caries To watch video lectures, click at the following links 1. Introduction 2. Etiology of dental caries 3. Bacterial plaque in dental caries 4. Microbiology of dental caries 5. Sucrose and dental caries 6. Acid production in dental plaque 7. Saliva and dental caries 8. Early enamel caries

In this chapter, you will know about the treatment planning of dental caries . In previous chapter you studies the etio-pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of dental caries . If you have not gone through it, it is advised that you study the previous chapter before proceeding further. Mechanism of Remineralisation of Enamel When the oral environment of a person is favourable where the pH is above 5.5 and saliva contains enough calcium and phosphate ions, the remineralisation process of enamel occurs. The supersaturated saliva acts as driving force for remineralisation. In a non cavitated enamel caries lesion, the original crystalline structure of rods remains intact. When it is etched, it acts as nucleating agent for remineralisation . When trace amount of fluoride ions is added to the environment, it enhances the remineralisation process by enhancing the precipitation of calcium and phosphate. The inclusion of fluoride ions results in the formation of fluorapatite crystals in e...

This lesson presents basic definitions, terminologies, etiologies, demineralisation-remineralisation of enamel and clinical characteristics of the caries lesion in the context of clinical  operative dentistry.   Definitions of Dental Caries and Dental Plaque   Dental caries is defined as a multifactorial, transmissible, infectious oral disease caused primarily by the complex interaction of cariogenic oral flora (biofilm) with fermentable dietary carbohydrates on the tooth surface over time. Dental plaque is a gelatinous mass of bacteria adhering to the tooth surface. Carious lesions occur only under the plaque. The plaque bacteria metabolises the refined carbohydrate (sucrose mainly) for energy production and produces organic acids as a by product. These acids cause dissolution of crystalline structures of enamel that result in caries lesions of the tooth.  

Dental caries is an endemic disease in children. It is caused by a bacterial infection. The causative bacteria are known as Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacilli. Although the dental caries is caused by bacteria, the initiation and progression of dental caries depend on several factors. The less the risk factors present, the less are the chances of dental caries development in your child’s tooth. I shall discuss those factors for you so that you can understand the developmental process of dental caries and take appropriate measures to prevent developing it in your son’s or daughter’s mouth. Broadly, we can categorize a child belonging to either high risk or low risk category. The children of high-risk category have higher chances of developing dental caries compared to those of lower category. The rampant caries develops rapidly in young children and involves all anterior teeth within a very short period. Early intervention may prevent its development. So, my advice to you, visit a den...

Halitosis is a common social condition that affects a considerable portion of the general population. The prevalence of halitosis is close to 50% in a few populations. Under few circumstances, this oral condition may cause embarrassment, depression and make relationships more difficult. Some studies have investigated whether the psychology of the patients might have some influence on the complaints about halitosis, or even on halitosis itself. In a study that included more than one thousand participants and self-reported halitosis, scientists have reported that poor oral hygiene and general anxiety are associated with halitosis. [1] Halitosis is divided into intraoral, extraoral, pseudohalitosis and halitophobia. Intraoral halitosis, responsible for 85% of the cases of halitosis, is subdivided into physiologic (genuine) halitosis or pathologic halitosis. Extraoral halitosis occurs when malodor appears with no oral cause, as in the case of pulmonary causes. Both patients with pseudohali...

The quality of dental treatment of a child depends on one's cooperation and repo with a dentist in the treatment room. How a dentist manages a child depending upon the understanding the child's  behaviour  pattern.    There are certain guidelines that are useful in helping a child to show a positive & compliant  behaviour  while getting the dental treatment. These guidelines have been prepared from the findings and principles of  behavioural  dentistry,  behavioural  psychology, developmental  psychology,  and  paediatric  psychology. 

The alginate impression material cannot be used as muco-compressive material. This material does not have consistency enough to apply pressure on mucosa. Therefore, muco-compressive impressions cannot be taken by alginate. The muco-compressive impression can only be taken by impression compound or heavy duty (putty) rubber base impression materials as they both have thick consistency.

A ceramic crown being placed over a tooth. The excess cement is protruding at margin [1] . The placement of crown is an important step in the longevity of the crown and the comfort of the patient. There are certain points that should be taken into consideration by a dentist during placement i.e. cementation. The gingival margins should not be inflamed at the time of crown cementation. This may happen due to gingivoplasty or crown lengthening. For a common man, it means, the gum margins of the tooth receiving the artificial crown should not have redness, swelling or puffiness. If there is any, better to wait till it subsides. The choice of cement/luting agent should be decided based on the type and material of the crown. The available materials are Zinc phosphate, Glass ionomer, Polycarbonate, Zinc silicophosphate, and resin luting agents. The anterior crowns need different cementing material than that of posterior crowns. The all ceramic crowns are best cemented by resin luting agents,...