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Table 1 Characteristics of Active and Inactive Caries Lesions

From: The International Caries Classification and Management System (ICCMS™) An Example of a Caries Management Pathway

ICDAS Code

Characteristics of Lesion

 

Signs of Active Lesions

Signs of Inactive Lesions

ICDAS Initial and moderate Stage

Surface of enamel is whitish/yellowish; opaque with loss of luster; feels rough when the tip of the probe is moved gently across the surface. Lesion is in a plaque stagnation area, i.e. in the entrance of pits and fissures, or near the gingival, and in approximal surfaces below or above the contact point. The lesion may be covered by thick plaque prior to cleaning.

Surface of enamel is whitish, brownish or black. Enamel may be shiny and feels hard and smooth when the tip of the probe is moved gently across the surface. For smooth surfaces, the caries lesion is typically located at some distance from the gingival margin. Lesion was not covered by thick plaque prior to cleaning.

ICDAS Extensive Stage

Dentin feels soft or leathery on probing.

Dentin is shiny and hard on probing.