Which radiographic carious lesion is located on the root surface?

Which radiographic carious lesion is located on the root surface?

• A. Proximal
• B. Occlusal
• C. Root
• D. Recurrent

Answer: (C)

Root surface caries develop on exposed root surfaces, where cementum and dentin are accessible to plaque and acids, often after gingival recession. On radiographs, they appear as a radiolucent area along the root surface, typically in the cervical region and extending into dentin. This location distinguishes them from proximal caries (between teeth), occlusal caries (on chewing surfaces), and recurrent caries (at the margins of a restoration). The root surface is more susceptible to demineralization due to the composition of cementum and dentin and their thinner resistance compared with enamel.

Root surface caries develop on exposed root surfaces, where cementum and dentin are accessible to plaque and acids, often after gingival recession. On radiographs, they appear as a radiolucent area along the root surface, typically in the cervical region and extending into dentin. This location distinguishes them from proximal caries (between teeth), occlusal caries (on chewing surfaces), and recurrent caries (at the margins of a restoration). The root surface is more susceptible to demineralization due to the composition of cementum and dentin and their thinner resistance compared with enamel.