Placing a wooden wedge in the gingival embrasure area for a class II restoration does NOT:

Placing a wooden wedge in the gingival embrasure area for a Class II restoration serves several important functions, but it does not provide a missing proximal wall. The primary purpose of the wedge is to create a space that helps in adapting the dental matrix band against the tooth structure. This adaptation is crucial for ensuring the restoration achieves proper contour and support.

The wedge influences the entire setup by gently pushing the matrix band toward the tooth, especially at the cervical margin. This allows for a more accurate fit and helps to minimize the risk of overhangs by properly defining the margins where the filling material will be placed. Additionally, the wedge plays a critical role in maintaining proximal contact, ensuring that the restoration is well-connected to adjacent teeth, which is essential for dental health and comfort.

Thus, while the wedge does a great job at adapting the band, aiding in the prevention of overhangs, and maintaining proper proximal contact, it does not serve to replicate or serve as a wall in the absence of an existing proximal wall.