Question

Patient with temporary restorations on four fractured anterior teeth, 6 teeth with chalky and rough spots, and two 3 molars extracted due to pericoronitis. What is the DMFT score according to WHO Modified DMFT Index 1987?

• A. 6
• B. 0
• C. 10
• D. 12

Hint:

The DMFT score of 0 means no significant dental caries or missing teeth, even if there are temporary restorations or chalky spots.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To determine the DMFT score according to the WHO Modified DMFT Index 1987, we need to understand what DMFT stands for:

• D stands for Decayed teeth.
• M stands for Missing teeth.
• F stands for Filled teeth.
• T is the total count of these components across all teeth considered.

The DMFT index is a common method used in dentistry to assess an individual's dental health. Here is how we can evaluate each component based on the provided case:

1. Decayed (D): Temporary restorations on fractured anterior teeth or chalky and rough spots do not count as decayed teeth in the DMFT index. DMFT only considers teeth with active caries. In this case, it is not explicitly mentioned that the teeth are decayed beyond chalkiness or roughness, which usually indicates early stages or developmental defects, not included as caries.
2. Missing (M): There are two third molars extracted due to pericoronitis. However, the DMFT index does not count missing third molars (wisdom teeth) because they are conventionally not included in the DMFT calculation. The index focuses on permanent teeth from the first molar onward.
3. Filled (F): Temporary restorations are not considered permanent fillings and do not count as filled teeth. Only permanent restorations for caries treatment are included in the F count.

Given this analysis, none of the conditions mentioned lead to an increment in the DMFT score:

• Decayed Teeth (D): 0
• Missing Teeth (M): 0
• Filled Teeth (F): 0

Therefore, the total DMFT score is:

D + M + F = 0 + 0 + 0 = 0.

Thus, according to the WHO Modified DMFT Index 1987, the DMFT score for this patient is 0.