Sensible Solutions to Perennial Problems of the Interdental Col

This article highlights the perennial problems posed by the interdental col as well as their consequences for patients' dental health and for many aspects of general dentistry. When the interdental col is not considered properly during restorative procedures new problems can arise instead of resolving existing ones. Dental professionals must be constantly vigilant because any oozing of inflammatory gingival crevicular fluid, or frank bleeding, from the col regions can impact adversely on adhesive bonding, pulpal health, impression accuracy, and restoration cementation. This article emphasises the importance of patients accepting their responsibilities early on for gaining and maintaining their dental health by appropriate cleaning of their col areas. In addition, this article demonstrates practical and cost-effective adjustments of interproximal restorations that promote periodontal health. It highlights that restored teeth often need to be made anatomically different to natural teeth to reduce the likelihood of perpetuating problems of the col. Careful design and precise execution of interproximal restorations are both essential to prevent reproducing problems which often necessitated those restorations in the first place.This article also provides some practical hints on restoring teeth near the interdental col which will become ever more important in general practice following the imminent banning of dental amalgam.