What is the correct classification of caries for a carious lesion located on the proximal surface of tooth #8?

The correct classification of caries for a carious lesion located on the proximal surface of tooth #8 is Class III. In the Black classification of dental caries, Class III caries refers specifically to lesions that occur on the interproximal surfaces of anterior teeth, which include the incisors and canines.

Tooth #8 is typically identified as the maxillary right central incisor in dental notation. Since Class III lesions affect the proximal surfaces, which are the areas between adjacent teeth, a carious lesion on the proximal surface of tooth #8 falls squarely within the parameters of Class III caries.

Class II caries, on the other hand, would involve the proximal surfaces of posterior teeth, which is not applicable here, while Class IV caries pertains to interproximal lesions that also involve the incisal angle, thus affecting anterior teeth in a more extensive way than Class III. Lastly, Class V caries are located on the gingival third of the facial or lingual surfaces of any tooth. Since the lesion in question is situated on the proximal surface of an anterior tooth, Class III is clearly the appropriate classification.