Open proximal contacts (food impaction)
What it is
Delivering a crown/bridge with a proximal contact that is too light or open (the restoration does not contact the adjacent tooth appropriately), creating a space where food is forced/packed interproximally during function. Open contacts are strongly linked to food impaction and patient discomfort.
Why it happens
• Lab/contact design error or inadequate adjustment protocol: the contact is left light because the crown "seems to seat better" when the contact is open • Incomplete seating during try-in (tight elsewhere) → clinician reduces the contact prematurely; once seated fully, the contact becomes open • Tooth movement over time (especially adjacent to implants): natural teeth can drift, leading to interproximal contact loss and open contact formation even if initially acceptable • Occlusal/proximal morphology issues (marginal ridge/embrasure form) that encourage "vertical food impaction" even with a contact that looks present
The full clinical mistake entry includes
- How to avoid it — the prevention protocol
- The clinical tip experienced clinicians use
- The documented reference behind the mistake
More clinical mistakes
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