Which caries type is commonly found beneath a restoration?

• A. Occlusal caries
• B. Proximal caries
• C. Root caries
• D. Recurrent caries

Answer: (D)

Recurrent caries is the caries that forms at the tooth-restoration interface, exactly where the restoration meets the tooth. If the margin isn’t perfectly sealed, bacteria, fluids, and acids can penetrate under or right at the edge of the restoration, leading to demineralization beneath the restoration over time. This pattern makes recurrent caries the most common type found beneath a restoration. Other caries types occur on natural surfaces away from restorations—occlusal caries on chewing surfaces, proximal caries near contact areas, and root caries on exposed root surfaces—so they aren’t typically described as being beneath an existing restoration.