Which type of caries involves the facial and/or lingual surfaces and commonly occurs in the cervical region?

Which type of caries involves the facial and/or lingual surfaces and commonly occurs in the cervical region?

• A. Facial caries
• B. Facial and lingual caries
• C. Proximal caries
• D. Root caries

Answer: (B)

Caries that appear on the smooth facial or lingual surfaces in the cervical region are described as facial and lingual caries. This pattern reflects lesions that run along the gingival margin on those surfaces, near the cementoenamel junction, where plaque tends to accumulate and brushing can miss. It’s different from proximal caries, which occur between teeth; facial caries, which would be on a single facial surface only; and root caries, which occur primarily on exposed root surfaces near the cervical area and are described based on root exposure rather than the crown’s facial/lingual surfaces. Thus, the best choice is facial and lingual caries.

Caries that appear on the smooth facial or lingual surfaces in the cervical region are described as facial and lingual caries. This pattern reflects lesions that run along the gingival margin on those surfaces, near the cementoenamel junction, where plaque tends to accumulate and brushing can miss. It’s different from proximal caries, which occur between teeth; facial caries, which would be on a single facial surface only; and root caries, which occur primarily on exposed root surfaces near the cervical area and are described based on root exposure rather than the crown’s facial/lingual surfaces. Thus, the best choice is facial and lingual caries.