THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERDENTAL CONTACT POINTS OF POSTERIOR TEETH IN MAINTAINING THE STABILITY OF DENTITION

During young age an interdental compression is concentrated at one point. With the age interdental contact point flattens, causing changes in the shape and structure of periodont and interdental papilla. Age-related interdental contact points wearing are accompanied by decrease in the density of interdental contact. That leads to accumulation of food residues, putrid masses and bacteria in the interproximal areas, which are resistant to individual hygiene purification methods. Their accumulation can result in the development of inflammatory processes followed by gingival recession. The research was conducted on 20 tooth approximal surfaces using MBC-10 microscope. The aim was to locate the interdental contacts abrasion areas and their values in preservation of teeth. In obtained photographs the dental crown was divided into four segments and particular locations of the abrasion areas were found. During the examination of 90% of teeth the abrasion areas were located in “a”-segment (in upper fourth of tooth from vestibular side). 10% of examined teeth had an abrasion areas located at intersection of vectors, but mainly at “b”-segment. In “c” and “d” segment the abrasion areas were not found. In all examined teeth, regardless of their belonging to the upper or lower jaw, interdental contact point was observed in approximately one position, namely in the upper sector of the vestibular part of the crown. Identified aspects of interdental contact points locations should be taken into account in cases of tooth approximal surface defects restoration, especially in older patients