Restorative & Materials · single question
What is the correct order of tooth surfaces from MOST to LEAST susceptible to dental caries?
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Correct answer: B. Occlusal (pits/fissures) > Interproximal > Buccal/lingual
Caries susceptibility ranking: (1) OCCLUSAL — pits and fissures are the most retentive, deepest, and hardest to clean; (2) INTERPROXIMAL — protected contact areas, food trapping; (3) BUCCAL/LINGUAL — most exposed to saliva flow and cleaning; least susceptible. This order is a standard board fact.
- A. ❌ Buccal surfaces are LEAST susceptible — most exposed to saliva and mechanical cleaning.
- B. ✅ Occlusal > Interproximal > Buccal/lingual — the standard ranking from most to least caries-susceptible.
- C. ❌ Interproximal is second, not most susceptible.
- D. ❌ Surfaces have significantly different susceptibility based on anatomy and cleaning access.
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