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Prevalence and Patterns of Iatrogenic Damage to Adjacent Teeth during Fixed Prosthodontic Preparation
Mohammed Farhan Alharbi1, Muhammad Atif Saleem Agwan2, Rawan Abdullah Alrethia3
1College of Dentistry, Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia, Phone: +966502232363,
Aim:
This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, patterns, and severity of iatrogenic damage to adjacent teeth during fixed prosthodontic tooth preparation.
Methodology:
A total of 126 teeth were assessed following fixed prosthodontic preparation procedures. The adjacent tooth surfaces were examined clinically to determine the level (degree), location, and type of damage on both mesial and distal surfaces. Damage severity was graded as normal, mild, or severe; locations were recorded according to the specific third of the surface involved, and damage type was categorized as abrasion, nick, or both. A Chi-square test was performed to explore differences based on tooth position (maxillary vs mandibular) and operator experience (clinicians, interns, and students).
Results:
Normal surfaces were the most frequently recorded finding, accounting for 155 (61.5%) of all assessed surfaces. Mild damage was observed in 77 (30.5%) of cases, while severe damage was less common in 19 (7.5%). The middle third of the proximal surface was the most affected site among damaged teeth. Nicks were the predominant damage type 66 (26.2%), followed by abrasion 21 (8.3%). Maxillary teeth exhibited more severe damage, particularly on mesial surfaces, whereas mandibular teeth more often remain undamaged. A statistically significant difference was observed based on operator experience; students recorded a higher frequency of both mild and severe damage compared to interns and clinicians.
Conclusion:
Iatrogenic damage to adjacent teeth during fixed prosthodontic preparation was commonly observed, with mild damage and nicks affecting the middle third of the proximal surface being the most frequent. Severe damage occurred more on the maxillary mesial surfaces.
Clinical Significance:
Iatrogenic damage was more pronounced on maxillary mesial surfaces and occurred predominantly in preparations performed by less experienced operators. How to cite this article: Alharbi MF, Agwan MAS, Alrethia RA. Prevalence and Patterns of Iatrogenic Damage to Adjacent Teeth during Fixed Prosthodontic Preparation. J Contemp Dent Pract 2025;26(11):1067-1072.
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