Common Tooth Preparation Errors, Preventive Strategies and Their Impact on Clinical Outcomes: A Narrative Review

Dr Vishnu Govind Thekkumbad¹, Dr Urmi Reshamdalal^2, , Dr Dakshana Varma³, Dr Sameera A Khan⁴, Dr Sri Valli Durga Bala Vinuthna Darisipudi⁵, Dr Latifa Elbanna⁶ and Dr Sandeep Singh⁷

¹BDS, Yenepoya Dental College, Mangalore, India

²BDS, Vaidik Dental College and Research Center, Daman, Gujarat, India.

³BDS, ACPM Dental College, Morane, Sakri Road Dhule, Maharashtra India

⁴BDS, People’s College of Dental Science, Ayodhya Bypass Rd, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India

⁵BDS, GDC, Vijayawada, India

⁶(PhD, Prosthodontics) Faculty of Dental Medicine - AlAzhar University, Cairo, Egypt.

⁷MDS (Prosthodontics), Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Rohtak, India

Cite this paper:
Dr Vishnu Govind Thekkumbad, Dr Urmi Reshamdalal, Dr Dakshana Varma, Dr Sameera A Khan, Dr Sri Valli Durga Bala Vinuthna Darisipudi, Dr Latifa Elbanna and Dr Sandeep Singh. Common Tooth Preparation Errors, Preventive Strategies and Their Impact on Clinical Outcomes: A Narrative Review. American Journal of Medical and Biological Research. 2026; 14(1):1-7. doi: 10.12691/ajmbr-14-1-1

Abstract

Tooth preparation is a fundamental clinical procedure in fixed prosthodontics and a key determinant of the biological, mechanical and esthetic success of full-coverage restorations. Despite well-established guidelines, errors in tooth preparation remain common in both undergraduate training and routine clinical practice, adversely affecting restoration longevity and patient outcomes. This narrative review aims to identify the most frequently reported tooth preparation errors for full-coverage restorations, evaluate their clinical consequences, and highlight preventive strategies supported by current evidence. Common errors include inadequate or excessive occlusal and axial reduction, improper taper, compromised retention and resistance form, poorly defined finish lines, inappropriate margin placement, surface irregularities, and pulpal trauma. Contributing factors include operator-related variables, tooth anatomy, restorative material requirements, and instrument selection. Preventive approaches emphasize adherence to biologic and mechanical principles, material-specific preparation guidelines, meticulous preoperative planning, and improved visualization. The review also underscores the importance of education, simulation-based training, structured feedback, and emerging digital assessment technologies in reducing preparation errors. Improved preparation accuracy is essential for enhancing treatment predictability and long-term success in fixed prosthodontics.

Keywords:
Tooth preparation errors Fixed prosthodontics Full-coverage restorations Clinical consequences Preventive strategies

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