Indirect restorations on teeth with reduced crown height

Patients may present with a need for indirect restorations (crowns, inlays, etc), but have teeth with short clinical crown height. The management of problems presented by such teeth relates mainly to preventing loss of the restoration and the maintenance of the health of pulp in an already compromised tooth. Traditional techniques for increasing resistance form and retention, together with the option of surgical crown lengthening, will overcome problems associated with short crowns in many cases. However, these methods are not a universal solution. Contemporary techniques, utilizing adhesive dentistry, and the Dahl concept have an increasing place in the management of such cases.

The Dahl concept and adhesive dentistry may supplement traditional techniques when providing and retaining indirect restorations.