hidden caries: a new challenge for dentists

purpose: hidden caries is a term used to describe occlusal dentine caries that is missed on a visual examination, but can be detected by bitewing radiographs. the aim of this study is the review of new studies about this lesion and presentation the ways for diagnosis, prevention and treatmen of this lesion. review of literature: investigations believe that the etiology of this lesion is the morphology of occlusal fissures and also topical fluoride use. diagnosis of hidden caries is difficult and need to use the diagnostic tools such as bitewing radiographs. investigators have shown the prevalence of hidden caries is between 1.4% to 15% of occlusal surfaces of permanent molars that have diagnosed as sound teeth. prevention of this lesion is taken by fissure sealing soon after eruption and treatment is taken by amalgam or composite restoration. it is suggested to investigate about the prevalence of hidden caries in our country. j dent sch 2005 23(1): 11