ABSTRACT
There is a natural sequence by which the history and examination of the patient lead to a decision on the advisability or otherwise of crowns in the context of the overall treatment. This general decision leads to a further series of stages in the detailed planning of treatment. This sequence is:
History and examination:
Decisions to be made:
ration • If the tooth is to be crowned-preparatory
treatment necessary
Detailed planning of the crown:
environment, including any necessary core • Choice of type of crown, including material • Detailed design of the preparation
Planning and executing the clinical and laboratory stages:
• Appointment sequence-agreement with patient and laboratory, including agreements on fees and laboratory charges
• First clinical stage • Laboratory stage • Second clinical stage • Maintenance. It would be very nice if life were as simple as this. It is convenient to have such a sequence of events in mind but it is not often possible to follow the pattern precisely. For example, if endodontic treatment is necessary as part of the
preparatory treatment then a temporary crown may well have to be made at an early stage before the preparation can be finally planned. This outline sequence may have various repeat loops arising within it. The dentist must be prepared to rethink the options as new circumstances arise and allow full freedom to his or her professional judgement.
