Oral Surgery · single question

A tooth has such extensive coronal destruction from caries that inadequate sound structure remains for a predictable restoration margin/ferrule. Assuming the tooth is deemed restorable and worth retaining, what should generally be done FIRST?

Crown lengthening surgery, to expose adequate sound tooth structure before proceeding with restorative treatment
Place the final crown directly over the existing structure, regardless of remaining height
Extraction is always the only option in this scenario
Apply a permanent restoration with no surgical intervention, regardless of remaining structure

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Correct answer: A. Crown lengthening surgery, to expose adequate sound tooth structure before proceeding with restorative treatment

When inadequate coronal tooth structure remains to support a predictable restoration (insufficient ferrule/margin placement), and the tooth is otherwise deemed worth saving, crown lengthening surgery is typically performed FIRST to expose additional sound tooth structure, establishing adequate biologic width and ferrule before any restorative or prosthodontic treatment proceeds.

Practice Oral Surgery questions Oral Surgery study notes

A tooth has such extensive coronal destruction from caries that inadequate sound structure remains for a predictable restoration margin/ferrule. Assuming the tooth is deemed restorable and worth retaining, what should generally be done FIRST?

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