What are common indications for a crown preparation?

• A. Restoring a severely damaged tooth, protecting a weak tooth, after root canal therapy, or improving esthetics.
• B. Whitening a tooth.
• C. Removing calculus.
• D. Placing an implant.

Answer: (A)

Crown preparation is indicated when a tooth needs full coverage to restore function and protect what remains of the tooth. This includes teeth that are severely damaged by decay or fracture, where enough structure exists to support a crown and restore strength; teeth that are structurally weak from large fillings or previous damage, where a crown provides fracture resistance and prevents further breakage; and teeth that have undergone root canal therapy, which become more brittle and benefit from a crown to reinforce and retain the restoration. Crowns can also improve esthetics when the tooth’s shape or color cannot be adequately corrected with simpler restorations. Whitening, calculus removal, and placing an implant address different goals (color change, periodontal cleaning, and replacement of a missing tooth, respectively) and do not require crown preparation.