Question

nancy has several dental caries on the visible surface of one of her molars. the caries have eroded through to the pulp cavity. which of the following accurately lists the layers affected by the caries?
multiple choice
enamel, dentin
dentin, enamel, cementum
cementum, dentin
enamel only

Explanation:

The outermost layer of a tooth is enamel. Beneath the enamel is dentin. Cementum is on the root surface (not the visible surface of the molar crown where the caries are). Since the caries have eroded through to the pulp cavity (which is surrounded by dentin), the layers affected (from the visible surface inward) would be enamel first (as it's the outermost layer on the crown) and then dentin (as it's beneath enamel).

Answer:

Enamel, dentin