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Incipient Caries Radiographic Appearance — NDEB AFK MCQ

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EasyRadiology & ImagingIncipient Caries Radiographic AppearanceNDEB AFK

On a bitewing radiograph, early interproximal caries (incipient enamel lesion) appears as which of the following?

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Correct answer: C — A subtle radiolucency confined to the outer half of the enamel at the contact point

An incipient interproximal enamel carious lesion appears as a subtle radiolucency confined to the outer half of enamel, typically at or just below the contact point. The lesion appears triangular with the base towards the tooth surface (in enamel) or the DEJ (in dentin). Bitewing radiographs detect interproximal caries approximately 30-40% earlier than clinical examination. However, radiographs underestimate the actual histological depth of lesions.

Reference: White & Pharoah – Oral Radiology: Principles and Interpretation, 8th ed., 2019