Dental Restoration: Complete Cast Crown

Study Notes

A complete cast crown is a complete coverage restoration that restores the coronal portion of the tooth in function, contour, and anatomy.

Has greater retention than partial coverage
Has greater resistance form
Complete cast crown strength is superior to that of other restorations and resists deformation better than partial veneer restorations
Allows the dentist to modify axial tooth contour (e.g. malalignment) and occlusion (e.g. supra-eruption)

Single crown restoration
As a bridge retainer
Endodontically treated posterior teeth
Extensive coronal destruction by caries, restoration, or trauma
Correction of axial tooth contour (e.g. malalignment) or occlusion
To support a mandibular partial removable dental prosthesis
When maximum retention and resistance are needed (e.g. in posterior, high-load locations)
To improve access for oral hygiene in teeth with furcal involvement through alteration of buccal and lingual wall contours

If the esthetic need is high as in anterior zone
If the buccal or lingual wall is intact, a partial-coverage restoration should be considered
If more conservation of tooth is indicated
If less than maximum retention and resistance are needed (e.g. short-span fixed dental prosthesis)
If a removable partial denture is planned and an adequate buccal contour exists or can be obtained through enamel modification (enameloplasty)

Using a fissure bur or rounded end tapered diamond to create guiding orientation grooves
Reduction should be uniform to allow adequate thickness of metal
Check occlusal clearance using utility wax, reduction gauge, or registration material

Type: Chamfer finishing line
Thickness: 0.3 mm in case of base metal alloy, 0.5 mm in case of noble metal alloy
Location: Supragingival, subgingival, or a replica of half the tip of round ended tapered diamond stone used

1.5 mm clearance
Parallels opposing triangular ridges
Placed at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the long axis of the prepared tooth

The larger diamond is recommended to eliminate any unwanted ripples
Evaluate margin width, smoothness, and continuity
Evaluate the path of placement and degree of axial taper from proximal, buccolingual, and occlusal aspects