RECURRENT CARIES

RECURRENT CARIES: Recurrent caries are decay processes that occur underneath existing dental restorations. More simply stated, another cavity has occurred in the tooth where there was a filling or restoration. Some of the causes are as follows: Improper cavity preparation—The dentist was unable to remove all of the decay in the tooth before the placement of a restoration. Inadequate cavity restoration—Open margins (space in-between the restoration and tooth). Old restorations—The margins of the restoration break down or are not completely sealed when originally placed, creating a 'leaky margin.'"