Final answer:
Microleakage into the interface between tooth structure and restorative material is responsible for much of the recurrent decay observed following tooth restoration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Microleakage into the interface between tooth structure and restorative material is responsible for much of the recurrent decay observed following tooth restoration. Microleakage refers to the passage of bacteria, fluids, or molecules through the microscopic gap between the tooth structure and the restorative material. This can lead to the formation of new cavities or the progression of existing decay.