Radiological assessment of interproximal relationship in lateral teeth after dental treatment

Abstract

Introduction. The interproximal relationship is defined as the relationship between the neighboring teeth within the same dental arch or the relationship that exists between the mesial surface of one tooth and the distal surface of the adjacent tooth. As a component of the interproximal ensemble, interdental contact is the anatomofunctional unit that contributes to the stabilization of teeth, maintains the integrity of the dental arch, protects the papilla and prevents food impaction. Objective of the study. The radiographic assessment of proximal morphology, marginal adaptation of restorations, and the positioning of obtained interdental contact in lateral teeth. Material and methods. The study included 80 digital bitewing radiographs in which proximal restorations on lateral teeth were evaluated for morphology by assessing the presence of a concave, convex, or straight surface; cervical adaptation by identifying a harmonious transition between the tooth and the restoration or a marginal step; interdental contact by determining its position in the cervico-occlusal direction. Results. Out of the 80 proximal restorations analyzed in lateral teeth, 34 were on mesial surfaces and 46 on distal surfaces. 58 restorations exhibited a convex emergence profile, 2 - concave, and 20 - straight. 53 restorations showed a harmonious cervical adaptation, while 27 revealed the presence of a marginal step, ranging from a minimum of 0.1 mm to a maximum of 0.9 mm. 66 restorations demonstrated proximal contact with the adjacent tooth, while 14 showed a lack of interdental contact. Among the restorations with proximal contact, 21 corresponded to anatomically correct positioning in the cervico-occlusal direction, and 45 did not correspond, being displaced occlusally. Conclusions. 72.5% of the radiologically evaluated proximal restorations on lateral teeth exhibit an anatomical emergence profile, 66.25% show harmonious cervical adaptation, and 31.8% demonstrate an anatomical positioning of interdental contact in the cervicoocclusal direction.