The correct answer is: B. One that crosses the dentinoenamel junction (DEJ)
Explanation:
Lesions that cross the DEJ are easier to detect radiographically because:
- Density Difference: When the lesion progresses beyond the DEJ, the change in tissue density between enamel and dentin becomes more pronounced, making it visible on radiographs.
- Dentin Involvement: Dentin is less mineralized than enamel, so demineralization in this layer appears more distinctly on radiographs.
Other options:
- A. An incipient lesion: These are confined to the outer enamel and are challenging to detect radiographically due to minimal density changes.
- C. One confined to enamel: These may be faint or undetectable on radiographs, especially if demineralization is minor.
- D. One with enamel demineralization: Early enamel demineralization is often too subtle for reliable radiographic detection.