When preparing to finish and polish, if your exploring point catches as it passes from tooth to restoration, the area is described as?

When preparing to finish and polish a restoration, if the exploring point catches as it passes from the tooth to the restoration, this indicates that there is an excess of material. This excess, known as "flash," occurs at the margins where the restoration meets the tooth structure.

Flash suggests that the restoration has not been properly contoured, leading to a result that is overextended beyond the ideal margins. A smooth transition between the tooth and restoration is crucial for aesthetic and functional purposes, as well as for preventing plaque accumulation at the margins, which can lead to decay or gum issues.

In contrast, terms like "undercontoured," "an open margin," and "submarginal area" refer to different issues related to contouring and fit but do not specifically describe the scenario where the exploring point catches due to excess material. "Undercontoured" refers to a restoration that does not fill the natural contour or is too shallow. "An open margin" implies a gap between the tooth and the restoration, while "submarginal area" references a restoration that is not flush with the tooth surface, potentially leading to similar problems as an open margin but does not denote excess material. Therefore, the most appropriate term for the catching sensation described in