How does the dentin typically appear in acute caries?

• A. Yellow, yellow-brown and softened
• B. Dark-brown and hard
• C. Black and firm
• D. White and chalky

Answer: (A)

In acute caries, the dentin demineralizes rapidly, so there isn’t enough time for tubule sclerosis or dentin hardening to occur. This creates a softer, moist dentin that often appears yellow to yellow-brown as the dentin is less mineralized and more translucent. The rapid progression and softer consistency make it easier to remove compared with more hardened dentin. In contrast, dentin in chronic lesions tends to be darker and firmer due to sclerosis and mineral deposition, and white, chalky areas are typically enamel changes rather than dentin.