Cárie oculta extensa: relato de caso clínico

• Autor(a) principal: Paschoal, Marco Aurélio Benini [UNESP]
• Data de Publicação: 2012
• Outros Autores: Bussaneli, Diego Girotto [UNESP], Sanches, Julia Olien [UNESP], Abreu-e-Lima, Fabio Cesar Braga de [UNESP]
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por
• Título da fonte: Repositório Institucional da UNESP
• Texto Completo: http://arquivos.cruzeirodosuleducacional.edu.br/principal/old/revista_odontologia/maio_agosto_2012.htm; http://hdl.handle.net/11449/125460
• topic: Dental caries; Early diagnosis; Radiography; Molar; Cárie dentária; Diagnóstico precoce; Radiografia; Dente molar

The pattern of caries lesions has been modified over decades. If the presence or absence of a caries lesion is based upon only a visual examination, its diagnosis might become underestimated since dentinal lesions underneath non cavitated or minimally demineralized enamel is highly frequent in dental clinics. The aim of this paper is to report a clinical case of a child with an upper molar with questionable occlusal aspect, presenting asymptomatic pulpal hyperplasia on the distolingual pit. Periapical radiographic examination was essential for diagnosing hidden caries and elaborating the treatment plan. As part of the approach, removal of the decayed tissue and pulpotomy with calcium hydroxide were performed. The association of an accurate visual examination to an adequate oral radiographyis is extremely important in cases which the presence of hidden caries is doubtful. As a result, an early diagnosis and the reduction of more invasive interventions related to the oral health care of pediatric patients can be achieved as well.