Restorative & Materials · single question
What is the BEST method to diagnose proximal (interproximal) dental caries during visual inspection?
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Correct answer: B. Transillumination (FOTI/DIFOTI)
B) Transillumination — CORRECT for visual inspection.
Fiber-Optic Transillumination (FOTI) is the best visual method for detecting proximal caries, appearing as dark shadows. When the question specifies "visual inspection," transillumination is superior because it can detect lesions not yet visible radiographically in early stages.
A) Pit and fissure stains: Detected visually but pertains to occlusal caries — not interproximal.
C) Bitewing radiographs: The gold standard overall for proximal caries but is radiographic — not "visual inspection."
D) Explorer probing: Can cause damage to early lesions and is no longer recommended as primary diagnostic tool.
Fiber-Optic Transillumination (FOTI) is the best visual method for detecting proximal caries, appearing as dark shadows. When the question specifies "visual inspection," transillumination is superior because it can detect lesions not yet visible radiographically in early stages.
A) Pit and fissure stains: Detected visually but pertains to occlusal caries — not interproximal.
C) Bitewing radiographs: The gold standard overall for proximal caries but is radiographic — not "visual inspection."
D) Explorer probing: Can cause damage to early lesions and is no longer recommended as primary diagnostic tool.
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