Remaining tooth structure associated with various preparation designs for the endodontically treated maxillary second premolar

Existing literature suggests a relationship between the amount of remaining tooth structure and the fracture resistance of the restored endodontically treated tooth. This study investigated the amount of tooth structure remaining following various tooth preparations used in the restoration of the endodontically treated maxillary second premolar. Illustrations of the maxillary second premolar in buccopalatal, mesiodistal and occlusal sections were drawn to scale. Outlines of various intra- and extracoronal preparations were superim-posed on the illustrations to reveal the amount of tooth tissue remaining in each case. Preparations for a ceramic inlay, inlay with palatal cusp coverage and onlay left 2.0-2.5mm of tooth structure buccally and palatally. Following preparation for a metal-ceramic crown, approximately 1.0mm of tooth structure remained buccally, and between 1.6mm-1.8mm palatally. Preparation for an all-ceramic crown was observed to leave 1.0mm-1.2mm of tooth structure surrounding what remained of the endodontic access cavity. It was concluded that decisions as to the type of definitive restoration to restore the endodontically treated maxillary second premolar may be influenced, amongst other factors, by information on the amount of tooth tissue remaining following preparation.