Overview

Crown Preparation is a prosthodontic procedure to prepare a tooth for receiving a dental crown by reducing tooth structure.

Crown preparation is crucial for restoring severely damaged teeth, improving function, and enhancing aesthetics.

Learn more in our comprehensive RxDx BDS Course

Indications

✓
Severe Caries

Extensively decayed tooth

✓
Root Canal Treated

Post-RCT tooth

✓
Fractured Tooth

Broken tooth structure

✓
Aesthetic Concerns

Discolored teeth

✓
Worn Teeth

Severe attrition

Contraindications

Absolute Contraindications

✗ Patient refusal
✗ Unrestorable tooth

Relative Contraindications

✗ Poor oral hygiene
✗ Active periodontal disease

📋 Equipment Checklist

Check off items as you gather them:

Pre-procedure Preparation

Preparation includes patient assessment, treatment planning, anesthesia, and understanding crown types.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Occlusal Reduction

Reduce occlusal surface.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Insufficient reduction
  • Over-reduction

💡 Pro Tip:

Follow guidelines.

Step 2: Axial Reduction

Reduce axial surfaces.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Undercuts
  • Insufficient reduction

💡 Pro Tip:

Maintain taper.

Step 3: Marginal Preparation

Prepare finish line.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Poor margin
  • Undercuts

💡 Pro Tip:

Use proper technique.

Step 4: Gingival Retraction

Retract gingiva.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Tissue trauma
  • Poor retraction

💡 Pro Tip:

Be gentle.

Step 5: Impression

Take final impression.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Poor impression
  • Voids

💡 Pro Tip:

Use proper technique.

Step 6: Temporary Crown

Place temporary crown.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Poor fit
  • Cement excess

💡 Pro Tip:

Check fit and occlusion.

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Post-procedure Care

Post-procedure care involves temporary crown care, impressions, and final crown placement.

Complications & Management

Complication Incidence Signs Management Prevention
Pulp exposure 1-3% Pain, sensitivity RCT if needed Careful preparation
Gingival trauma 5-10% Bleeding, pain Healing time Gentle technique
Temporary crown loss 3-8% Lost crown Replacement Proper cementation
Sensitivity 10-20% Cold sensitivity Desensitizing agents Proper technique

Clinical Pearls

💡

Follow preparation guidelines for each crown type.

🎯

Maintain proper taper for retention.

⚡

Create smooth finish lines.

🔍

Check for undercuts.

📊

Take accurate impressions.

🎨

Ensure proper temporary crown fit.

⚠️

Monitor for complications.