Dental Crowns and Their Applications

Metal crowns are incredibly strong, making them resistant to breakage and chipping, unlike other crown types.

Metal crowns are designed to last for a long time, making them a reliable choice for tooth restoration.

Metal crowns require more tooth structure removal compared to partial crowns, like 3/4 crowns.

Metal crowns can make it harder to test the health of a tooth with an electrical pulp tester due to their composition.

Metal crowns are not aesthetically pleasing because they display metal, unlike other crown types.

A full metal crown is a good choice for a tooth extensively damaged by decay or injury. It protects remaining tooth from breaking.

When a tooth has a big amalgam filling, a full metal crown provides additional support to prevent fractures.

A tooth that has had root canal treatment often gets a full metal crown for durability.

Full metal crowns are primarily used in back teeth (molars and premolars) due to their chewing forces.

A crown can make a short tooth taller, providing a better fit for a denture clasp.

Preparing the chewing surface of a tooth for a crown or filling.

Preparing the outer, cheek-side surface of a tooth for a crown or filling.

Preparing the inner, tongue-side surface of a tooth for a crown or filling.

Preparing the sides (between teeth) of a tooth for a crown or filling.

A high-speed device used in dentistry for shaping and preparing teeth.

A full metal crown may be indicated to correct a slight tilt or angulation of a tooth.

A full metal crown may be used on a tooth with extensive decay, as it provides greater strength and protection compared to other types of crowns.

A full metal crown may be indicated to correct the alignment of the chewing surfaces of the teeth.

A full metal crown is not a good choice if the patient is concerned about the appearance of the tooth, as it is highly visible and does not match the natural tooth color.

A full metal crown may not be the best option if a less invasive restoration, such as a 3/4 crown, can achieve the desired outcome.

Preparing the top chewing surface of the tooth for a crown involves creating grooves, inclines, and a bevel for proper function.

The depth of the grooves created during occlusal reduction affects the overall shape and fit of the crown.

The sides of the tooth are prepared to be parallel to the tooth's long axis, creating a slight taper for a secure crown fit.

A specific angle (6 degrees) is recommended for the taper created during axial reduction.

The edge where the crown will meet the tooth is prepared with a chamfer for better adhesion and aesthetics.

The central, mesial, and distal fossae are drilled 1mm deep and connected, creating a network of holes to guide occlusal reduction.

Grooves are carved into the buccal and lingual developmental grooves and ridges, acting as a pathway for the dentist to follow during occlusal reduction.

The cusp that is most used for chewing (functional cusp) is carefully protected with a bevel, ensuring enough metal thickness for the crown.

To avoid uneven reduction, occlusal reduction is guided by the previously created grooves, ensuring the natural shape of the tooth is maintained.

Identifying the highest and lowest points of each cusp (using grooves) helps create a balanced occlusal surface.

A technique for reshaping tooth structure between grooves, usually done in an angled direction.

Flattening the chewing surface of a tooth with a specific dental tool.

A dental tool used for shaping tooth structure, often used in occlusion reduction procedures.

A type of bur specifically used for preparing teeth for crowns or fillings.

A type of dental diamond bur with a torpedo-like shape, used for efficiently reducing the sides of a tooth during crown preparation.

Grooves that are carefully cut into the tooth during axial reduction to guide the placement and removal of the crown. They ensure a precise fit and prevent excess material from being left behind.

When preparing a tooth for a crown, the diamond bur must be held parallel to the intended path the crown will be removed from the tooth.

The diamond bur should not cut into the tooth beyond its midpoint during axial reduction, to preserve healthy tooth structure.

A technique used to reduce tooth structure between teeth using a small, thin diamond-tipped instrument.

A specialized dental instrument used for proximal reduction, characterized by its short length, thin needle shape, and diamond tip.

The process of moving the short thin needle diamond in a vertical up-and-down motion against the tooth surface.

The specific placement of the diamond-tipped instrument to access tight spaces between teeth.

The deliberate sweeping motion of the diamond-tipped instrument to gain access to the proximal surface by removing tooth structure.

Using a dental instrument to reduce the buccal (cheek) surface of a tooth, creating a chamfer margin at the same level.

Moving the dental instrument as far as possible into the spaces between teeth (embrasures) during axial reduction, without damaging neighboring teeth.