DMFT+Index

(Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth)
 * DMFT Index**


 * Category:** Dental Caries


 * Description:**

DMFT index is used to determine the total permanent teeth that have past or present carious lesions. If a tooth is missing due to gross decay it will also be accounted for in the index. This index has its own evaluation criteria and is not combined with any onther index. Criteria that will exclude teeth from being accounted into the index include: unerupted teeth, congenitally missing teeth, supernumerary teeth, partial eruption, third molars, teeth restored due to trauma, and abutments on a bridge.

The index is used as a data collection tool for an individual, group average, or to obtain specific treatment needs of a group. This index is often used in oral health surveys and has been used in many countries.
 * When is it used:**

Instruments needed for the index include a mouth mirror, explorer, and adequate light. The examiner should be aware that a tooth is considered to have decay when it's visible, if the explorer catches into a soft spot on the tooth, and when discolaration is present due to dimineralization and incipient decay.
 * Procedure:**

DMFT index is considered to be irreversible.

D= 5, M= 0, F= 2. DMF= 5+0+2= 7
 * Example:**

References: ====Wilkins, E. M. (Ed.). (2005). Clinical practice of the dental hygienist, ninth edition. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins ====

//**Marlene - Nicely done, Ms. Lesser **//