Periodontics › Aetiology
Food Impaction
High-yield revision notes with linked practice questions, written for dental students and candidates preparing for the ADC and other licensing examinations.
High-yield notes
9.7.4 Food impaction
The integrity and location of the proximal contacts along with the contour of the marginal ridges and developmental grooves typically prevent interproximal food impaction.
Food impaction is the forceful wedging of food into the periodontium by occlusal forces.
As the teeth wear down, their originally convex proximal surfaces become flattened and the wedging effect of the opposing cusp is exaggerated.
Cusps that tend to forcibly wedge food into interproximal embrasures are known as plunger cusps.
The interproximal plunger cusp effect may also be observed when missing teeth are not replaced and the relationship between proximal contacts of adjacent teeth is altered.
An intact proximal contact precludes the forceful wedging of food into the interproximal embrasure space, whereas a light or open contact is conducive to impaction.
Hirschfeld's criteria:
- Uneven occlusal wear
- Opening of the contact point as a result of loss of proximal support or from extrusion
- Congenital morphologic abnormalities
- Improperly constructed restorations.
Practice questions
Select an option to check your answer. Answers are shown below each question.
Which of the following statement is true about food impaction?
- AUsually occurs on occlusal surface of the teeth
- BNo role in outcome of an otherwise thoroughly treated case of periodontal disease.
- CLateral food impaction may occur in Type I gingival embrasures.
- DFood impaction may be caused by pressure from lip or cheek.
Cusps that tend to forcibly wedge food inter-proximally are known as
- ACentric cusps
- BFunctional cusp
- CPlunger cusp
- DStamp cusp
Plunger cusp occlude with
- AThe opposing marginal ridges
- BThe opposing buccal cusp
- CThe opposing lingual cusp
- DThe opposing central fossa
These notes are compiled from standard periodontology texts for study purposes. They are a revision aid, not a substitute for your own reading or current clinical guidelines. If you spot an error, please leave a comment.