Purpose?
Consistent recording of decay findings.
← All explanationsICDAS
What does an ICDAS code mean in a decay assessment?
ICDAS is a standardised system for recording visible signs of decay on a cleaned tooth surface. Codes 0 to 6 describe increasingly evident changes through to extensive defects. They are neither a pain scale nor a stand-alone decision to place a filling.
For training & practice ↓
AI-generated
Choose a view
Clean and examine
Plaque can hide changes. The surface is assessed under suitable conditions, sometimes after drying.
Describe severity
An early enamel change differs from a visible cavity exposing dentine. ICDAS makes this distinction easier to record consistently.
Consider the whole assessment
Activity, risk, accessibility and other findings complement the code. Together they inform individual planning.
Read the full explanation
Clean and examine
Plaque can hide changes. The surface is assessed under suitable conditions, sometimes after drying.
Describe severity
An early enamel change differs from a visible cavity exposing dentine. ICDAS makes this distinction easier to record consistently.
Consider the whole assessment
Activity, risk, accessibility and other findings complement the code. Together they inform individual planning.
Notes on the teaching images
- ICDAS describes visible caries signs after cleaning and, where appropriate, drying. A picture alone cannot establish a score.
- Severity ranges from early changes to an obvious cavity. This section does not represent a specific ICDAS code.
- The code, activity, risk factors and other findings are assessed together. A code alone does not determine treatment.
At a glance
Scale?
0 to 6 for a surface.
Additional information?
Activity and individual risk.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available as text.
Often confused
Severity is not activity
The code describes visible extent. Whether a lesion is likely to progress is assessed separately.
Quick answers
Does code 0 mean there is no decay anywhere in the mouth?
No. It concerns the assessed surface under the examination conditions, not a guarantee for every tooth.
Is every white mark decay?
No. Other enamel changes can also look pale. ICDAS requires professional differentiation.
Does a higher code always mean drilling?
The code alone does not determine treatment. Depth, activity and other factors are considered together.
At the practice
For a personal discussion
Editorially suggested question to discuss with Dr Niusha Barahmand Pour:
What does this tooth's code mean, and is the lesion active?
Unsure about a code in your dental record? Ask which surface it concerns and what comes next.
Discuss a decay findingAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- ICDAS
- International Caries Detection and Assessment System.
- Cavitation
- Surface breakdown forming a defect.
- Activity
- Assessment of whether a carious lesion is progressing or arrested.
Make the distinction
The code describes visible extent. Whether a lesion is likely to progress is assessed separately.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.