Page 280 - My FlipBook

and fissures are much darkened, or actually black. This dark
color occurs where some slight softening of the enamel has
taken place earlier, and is often mistaken for active decay. It
is rather an evidence of immunity from the beginning of new
areas of decay. But there may be an active area of decay be-
neath this dark coloring, and this must be determined by the
explorer. While the dark color is evidence of conditions
unfavorable to decay, decay, having begun, may be continu-
ing. This demands examination, and action will be controlled
by the conditions found. Very many pits show evidence of
some slight softening in early youth, which is stopped by the
coming of immunity or some change of local conditions.
Then these become dark in color, and so remain without
further change. These should not be interfered with, as
they are just as safe without any filling whatever.

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