dental disorders
Caries
Diagnosis of Caries
Direct inspection Sometimes use of x-rays or special testing instruments Routine, frequent clinical evaluation (every 3 to 12 months depending on a patient's caries risk as assessed by a dentist) identifies early caries at a time when minimal intervention prevents its progression. A thin probe, sometimes special dyes, and transillumination by fiberoptic lights are used, although infrequently these are supplemented by new devices that detect caries by changes in electrical conductivity, laser reflectivity, or transillumination (including use of near-infrared light devices). However, x-rays are still most important for detecting caries, determining the depth of involvement, and identifying caries under existing restorations. 