Abstract: Objective To perform occlusal contact analysis using a digital model and guide occlusal adjustment and reconstruction. To evaluate the application value of digital technology in treating food impaction. Methods Seventyfour patients with vertical food impaction were randomly divided into two groups. In the experimental group, the information about anatomical morphology and occlusal relationship of teeth was obtained by using an oral digital impression scanner to generate a digital model. The food impaction was analyzed and diagnosed according to the contact distribution and intensity in the occlusal contact area shown on the digital model. In the control group, occlusal contact was checked with occlusal paper. Patients in both groups were treated with occlusal adjustment and minimally invasive repair to improve occlusal contact. Clinical effect was evaluated one month after operation. The overlap rate of occlusal contact sites between the two methods was counted. Results The effective rate of treating food impaction was 94.59% in the experimental group and 97.30% in the control group, and there was no statistical difference between them (P＞0.05). The overlap rate of occlusal contact site between the two methods was 95.7%. Conclusion Using digital model to analyze and diagnose food impaction is simple and intuitive, which can accurately guide occlusal adjustment and occlusal contact reconstruction.

Key words: digital model, food impaction, occlusal adjustment, occlusal contact