What component is adjacent to the gingival tissues in a Class II preparation?

In a Class II preparation, the gingival floor is the component that is directly adjacent to the gingival tissues. The gingival floor is the portion of the cavity preparation that sits parallel to the gum line and is designed to create an appropriate interface with the surrounding gingival tissue.

This area is especially important because maintaining proper contours and smoothness in the gingival floor helps ensure that food debris and plaque do not accumulate, which can lead to gum irritation or periodontal disease. Additionally, appropriate adaptation to the gingival margin aids in the proper sealing of the restoration, which further helps in preventing secondary caries.

Other components such as the axial wall, mesial wall, and facial wall are part of the tooth structure that relates to the overall preparation but are not adjacent to the gingival tissue itself. Understanding the role of the gingival floor in maintaining oral health and optimizing restorative outcomes is crucial for dental professionals.