National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) Practice Exam

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Master your National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) exams with our comprehensive practice guide. Achieve excellence in your dental certification with expertly crafted questions and detailed explanations.

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The initiation of cemental caries differs from enamel caries because it...

Is less visible on X-rays
Progresses more slowly
Progresses more quickly
Causes less pain

The correct answer is: Progresses more quickly

While caries in enamel and cementum both involve demineralization of the surface caused by acid produced by bacteria in plaque, the progression of the two types of caries can differ. Cemental caries tends to progress more quickly because the cementum is less mineralized and has a higher organic content compared to enamel. This makes it more susceptible to the acidic environment created by plaque, leading to faster breakdown of the tooth structure. Therefore, cemental caries are often more advanced and less visible on X-rays compared to enamel caries. It can also lead to more pain and sensitivity as the decay progresses rapidly, often reaching the pulp of the tooth sooner.