Effect of overhang removal on increasing patients' flossing frequency

The aim of this study was to show that by removing overhanging margins, flossing frequency can be increased. Patients with multiple overhangs were sent questionnaires six to 24 months posttreatment. Of the 77 patients that were mailed questionnaires, 59 returned the completed form. Analysis of the questionnaires showed that there was a highly significant increase (p less than .0001) in flossing frequency after the overhang removal treatment. This survey also found that 98% of the patients felt that overhang removal was a worthwhile dental procedure. The results of this study suggest that overhang removal may be an important early step in the course of motivating patients to carry out flossing.