How would you describe and correct a margin where the exploring point only bumps up as it passed from tooth to restoration?

The description indicates a situation where the explorer only slightly catches at the junction between the tooth and the restoration, suggesting the presence of excess material—often referred to as flash or overextension. This means that there is a slight over-contouring of the restoration beyond the natural tooth structure.

To address this issue, additional carving is necessary to contour the restoration properly and create a smooth transition at the margin. This is crucial not only for aesthetics but also for the restoration's function and longevity, as overextensions can trap plaque and bacteria, leading to further complications.

The other choices involve descriptions that do not accurately characterize the situation presented in the question. For example, an open margin typically indicates a gap where bacteria could ingress, and merely redoing the restoration may not always be necessary if the issue can be corrected with carving. Likewise, a submarginal area implies the restoration is below the margin of the tooth, which is different from the described scenario, where the bump suggests excess material rather than deficiency. Lastly, relying on normal occlusal forces to correct overextension or flash is not advisable, as these areas require proactive finishing and shaping to ensure proper adaptation and function.