Can you have tooth decay without having a cavity?

I have black lines on the top of some of my back molars, but my dentist says I don't have a cavity. What is it?

Can you have tooth decay without having a cavity?
how did you go to the dentist and he tell you it is not a cavity, but did not tell you what it was?
Reply:it's just staining in the pits and fissures of your molars. it's not decay.
Reply:There is something called "Black-line stain". Google it and see if that's what your teeth look like.





Here I googled it for you: http://www.scielo.br/img/revistas/bdj/v1...





By the way, tooth decay and cavity are the same thing. But staining doesn't necessarily mean a cavity no matter what color the stain is.





Black line stain is caused by a certain type of bacertia. It is difficult to remove, but it can be removed using air abrasion or ultrasonic. Just ask them to remove it when you get your next cleaning. Call ahead to give the hygienist a heads up and mention the two things I said that can remove black line stain.





Hope this helps.
Reply:Maybe it is just a stain