This molar on a patient in his 20s has a partially debonded sealant. There is no "catch" with a sharp explorer. Note the shadow around the lingual pit.
This molar on a patient in his 20s has a partially debonded sealant.
There is no "catch" with a sharp explorer. Note the shadow around the
lingual pit.
The pits have been opened and stained with caries detector. Note extent
of decay not visible on x-rays.
Caries has been removed.
Final restoration
This is another failed sealant on the same patient
Again, the pit is opened and decay stained. Decay is quite extensive,
even though traditional diagnostics would have missed it.
Caries removed on this "observe" lesion. Note size of prep.
Final restoration
Another old sealant on the same patient
Negligible decay when sealant removed- Simply needed cleaning out and
re-sealing.
Same patient, again sealed molars. Note shadow and "halo" around buccal
aspect of occlusal pit
Decay present when pit is opened. This tooth had been observed for
years by previous dentist.
Fluoride Bomb 1 New May 31
Fluoride Bomb 2 New May 31
Fluoride Bomb 3 New May 31
Fluoride Bomb 4 New May 31
Occlusal View of Four Sectioned Molars
Which ones would you watch, and which ones would you intervene and
fill?
Proximal View Of Cut Sections-Teeth A & B
Would you intervene based on this view? Does this agree with your
decision based on occlusal view?
Proximal View of Cut Sections-Teeth C & D
Would you intervene based on this view? Does this agree based on this
view?