Dental decay is officially known as dental caries by the scientific/medical/dental community. There are many different types based on areas of the tooth where it can form as well as the severity or cause to name a few. Arrested decay is the process of decay that has started in the outside enamel of the tooth but does not progress. I know some individuals who have had arrested decay for over thirty years and have never progressed to the inner part of our teeth called the dentin. We do not repair this type of decay unless it travels through the enamel and into the dentin.
Incipient decay is decay that has just reached the dentinal surface and is very small while gross decay is extremely large.
Recurrent decay is decay around an existing old restoration and usually starts at the junction of the restoration and the tooth surface. This is the weak point due to expansion and contraction over time due to temperature changes, moisture, and forces of chewing in our mouths.
Occlusal decay is a term used for decay that starts on the biting surfaces of back teeth and incisal decay is for decay on the edges of our front teeth. Sometimes it can show up as a dark spot on visual examination.
Interproximal decay is decay that forms between the teeth and I refer to this at times as a flossing cavity. This forms if plaque is not removed regularly between the teeth and usually associated with patients that do not floss regularly. This type can usually best be seen on radiographic examination(X-Rays). It looks like a dark shadow compared to normal tooth
There are many ways to restore or fix these issues and depends on what the Dentist thinks is best.
(The information contained in this article is strictly for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the professional knowledge or advice of your personal dentist.)