Case reports and clinical trials conducted in various countries show, more and more frequently, a positive correlation between the presence of original teeth and prevalence of root caries in older age. Because this is a global trend, it is likely that the predicted increase in the worldwide elderly population may soon cause a significant increase in the number of people requiring effective means of preventing and treating root surface caries. In response to this development, a team of outstanding contributors has reviewed the most important aspects of root caries. This new volume presents their findings along with discussions of how to deal with this health issue that progressively affects the oral health balance. The chapters in this book are divided in four core parts: Epidemiology, Biological Determinants, Lesion Assessment and Features and Preventive and Operative Therapies. The collection of state-of-the-art articles provides a broad overview and will serve as a reference for clinicians as well as scientists and, hopefully, will encourage new research.

Authoritative and comprehensive resource on the disease process and clinical management of dental caries. Dental Caries: The Disease and Its Clinical Management, 4th Edition maintains the same focus on high-level coverage of the disease etiology and process, clinical assessment and prognosis and wider public health issues connected with dental caries management, including an enhanced focus on caries control. Fully updated throughout, the chapters that discuss theory emphasize how the knowledge can be applied in both the clinic and in the public health domain to improve oral health. The new edition also includes up-to-date and validated diagnostic and management options for caries whilst ensuring that the tools provided allow practitioners to serve the needs of different socio-economic populations. All sections are complimented by high-quality color photographs, clear line drawings and references for further study. With contributions from international experts in research and clinical practice, Dental Caries includes information on: Acquisition and establishment of the oral microbiome, metabolism of the microbiome in caries, and the essential role of saliva for dental caries and erosion Initiation and progression of dental caries in dental hard tissues and the relationship between sugar, diets, and dental caries The caries control concept and consequences for minimally invasive management of caries Caries control in children, adults, and the elderly, including root surface caries and oral health care in the elderly Implication of caries control for the dental profession, including best practices for assessment of lesion activity, prognosis and risk for developing dental caries Dental Caries, Fourth Edition is an unrivaled guide to tooth decay, and a must-have resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students in dental public health, paediatric and restorative dentistry as well as all practitioners looking to develop their clinical skills.

One of the important goals of periodontal therapy is the restoration of the lost periodontium and conversion of the periodontitis affected root surface into a substrate, which is biologically hospitable for epithelial and connective tissue cell adherence and attachment. An objective of periodontal treatment is the predictable regeneration of the periodontium in areas previously affected by periodontal disease. Periodontitis affected root surfaces show many changes and the root is commonly referred to as 'pathologically exposed'. The traditional treatment of pathologically altered root surfaces has relied on mechanical removal of plaque and calculus, root bound toxins and contaminated cementum. It is not possible to decontaminate a periodontitis affected root surface completely by mechanical means alone. The instrumented surface will inevitably be covered by a smear layer which is usually comprised of remnants of dental calculus, necrosed root cementum, flecks of hydroxyapatite crystals, microorganisms and their products. The root surface serves as a wound margin during regeneration so it is necessary to rehabilitate the root surface for cell attachment and fiber insertion.