This picture in higher resolution: 941 kb" or 254 kb".             

1. A tooth surface without caries.
   

2. The first signs of demineralization, a small "white spot" has been formed (initial caries, incipient caries). It is not yet a cavity, the surface is still hard. It is not calculated as "D" (Decayed) according to WHO criteria. With proper measures, the caries process can be halted here and even reversed.
   

3. The enamel surface has broken down. We have got a "lesion" with a soft floor. It is now calculated as a "D" tooth or surface.
   

4. A filling has been made, but as can be seen, the demineralization has not been stopped and the lesion is surrounding the filling. It is sometimes called "Secondary caries" but in fact, it is usually the "same" disease that is in progress. The tooth is both "F" (Filled) and "D" (Decayed). In caries indices it is normally calculated as a D tooth only.
   

5. The demineralization proceeds and undermines the tooth.
   

6. The tooth has fractured - an effect of a process which could have been stopped at an early stage!
   

Back to: Basic Cariology.