What may be noticed?
Food repeatedly traps or floss catches.
← All explanationsProximal contact
Why do neighbouring teeth touch?
A proximal contact is the area where neighbouring tooth crowns touch. It is often a small surface rather than a mathematical point. Here the term concerns neighbours in the same jaw, not contacts between opposing teeth.
For training & practice ↓
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Contact with a neighbour
Tooth shape determines the contact location. Beneath it is the interdental region containing gum tissue and requiring cleaning.
When food gets trapped
An open or poorly shaped contact may contribute to trapped food. Tooth position, gum tissue and restoration contours also matter.
Find the cause
Repeated trapping, pain or repeatedly shredding floss needs assessment. Do not lever between teeth with sharp objects.
At a glance
What is the next step?
Have the contact and surrounding structures examined.
What should be avoided?
Do not file, lever or alter a restoration yourself.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.
Read the film text in English
Contact with a neighbour
Tooth shape determines the contact location. Beneath it is the interdental region containing gum tissue and requiring cleaning.
When food gets trapped
An open or poorly shaped contact may contribute to trapped food. Tooth position, gum tissue and restoration contours also matter.
Find the cause
Repeated trapping, pain or repeatedly shredding floss needs assessment. Do not lever between teeth with sharp objects.
Often confused
Proximal or biting contact?
Proximal contacts are between crowns in the same arch. Biting contacts occur between upper and lower teeth.
Quick answers
Should contact be as tight as possible?
No. Shape, location and cleaning access need to work together; tighter is not automatically better.
Does a contact problem always mean decay?
No. A restoration, tooth movement or tissue changes can also contribute.
What is examined?
Contact, restoration margins, gums and bite; additional imaging only when indicated.
At the practice
For a personal discussion
An editorially suggested question for a discussion with Dr med dent Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Is the contact suitable, and what causes the repeated trapping?
The same area troubles you after meals? A focused check can assess the contact, filling and gums.
Have the contact checkedAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Proximal
- Facing the neighbouring tooth.
- Contact area
- Small area where two crowns meet.
- Food impaction
- Food wedged between teeth.
Make the distinction
Proximal contacts are between crowns in the same arch. Biting contacts occur between upper and lower teeth.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.