Caries classification

G.V. Black classes and ICDAS codes, with 3D lesion stages.

All modules

Two classifications used every day: G.V. Black (where the cavity is) and ICDAS (how far it has progressed).

G.V. Black classification

Class I: Pits and fissures: occlusal surfaces of premolars and molars, buccal/lingual pits of molars, lingual pits of upper incisors.
Class II: Proximal (mesial or distal) surfaces of premolars and molars.
Class III: Proximal surfaces of incisors and canines, not involving the incisal angle.
Class IV: Proximal surfaces of incisors and canines involving the incisal angle.
Class V: Cervical third of the facial or lingual surface of any tooth.
Class VI: Incisal edges of anterior teeth or cusp tips of posterior teeth (added later).

ICDAS 0: Sound tooth surface.
ICDAS 1: First visual change in enamel — seen only after prolonged air drying.
ICDAS 2: Distinct visual change in enamel, visible when wet.
ICDAS 3: Localised enamel breakdown, no visible dentine.
ICDAS 4: Underlying dark shadow from dentine (with or without enamel breakdown).
ICDAS 5: Distinct cavity with visible dentine.
ICDAS 6: Extensive distinct cavity with visible dentine (more than half of the surface).

Name: ____________________ Date: __________

Educational material. Simplified models — always follow your faculty’s textbooks and clinical supervision.