eng Science and Education Publishing American Journal of Medical and Biological Research 2328-4099 2026-03-26 14 1 1 7 10.12691/ajmbr-14-1-1 AJMBR20261411 article Dr Vishnu Govind Thekkumbad 1 Dr Urmi Reshamdalal urmireshamdalal24@gmail.com 2 Dr Dakshana Varma 3 Dr Sameera A Khan 4 Dr Sri Valli Durga Bala Vinuthna Darisipudi 5 Dr Latifa Elbanna 6 Dr Sandeep Singh 7 BDS, Yenepoya Dental College, Mangalore, India BDS, Vaidik Dental College and Research Center, Daman, Gujarat, India. BDS, ACPM Dental College, Morane, Sakri Road Dhule, Maharashtra India BDS, People¡¯s College of Dental Science, Ayodhya Bypass Rd, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India BDS, GDC, Vijayawada, India (PhD, Prosthodontics) Faculty of Dental Medicine - AlAzhar University, Cairo, Egypt. MDS (Prosthodontics), Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Rohtak, India 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. https://pubs.sciepub.com/ajmbr/14/1/1/ajmbr-14-1-1.pdf Tooth preparation errors Fixed prosthodontics Full-coverage restorations Clinical consequences Preventive strategies