What is the term for where the preparation meets the uncut tooth?

The term that describes where the preparation meets the uncut tooth is the cavo-surface margin. This margin is a critical area in restorative dentistry, as it refers to the border that separates the prepared tooth structure from the remaining healthy tooth structure. Understanding the cavo-surface margin is essential for ensuring proper bonding of restorative materials, achieving a good seal, and minimizing the risk of microleakage, which can lead to further decay.

The cavo-surface margin is also important when considering the design of the restoration, as it affects the aesthetics and longevity of the dental work. It's essential for dental professionals to be proficient in identifying and managing this margin to achieve optimal clinical outcomes.

In contrast, point angles and line angles are more specific geometrical terms used to describe the angles formed at the intersection of different surfaces in tooth preparations, while the proximal surface refers to the sides of the teeth that are adjacent to one another, which are not directly related to the preparation's interface with the uncut tooth structure.