Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Ratiometric Imaging of Extracellular pH in Dental Biofilms
Published on: March 9, 2016
Diagnosis versus detection of caries
1School of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark. nyvad@odont.au.dk
Abstract:
Caries diagnosis is the art or act of identifying a disease from its signs and symptoms. This is distinct from the detection of the signs and symptoms themselves. The diagnosis forms the basis for making informed treatment decisions. Hence, if there is no diagnostic step expressed in terms of the probability of present and future occurrence of disease, practitioners may resort to treatments guided by previous experiences with similar clinical manifestations. This paper reviews various methodological aspects of caries diagnostic testing. It is concluded that rather than continuing to search for the truth of the diagnosis, it may be more informative to consider the consequences of the diagnosis. This view is supported by results from caries-preventive trials in which the activity of carious lesions has been monitored longitudinally over years.
Related Concept Videos
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
Type II Diabetes Mellitus III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis

