Removing a Crown with Strauss Diamond

Whether due to cracking, discoloration, tooth decay you will remove, or maybe have already removed, having the proper crown removal tool for this procedure is key to making sure the procedure goes smoothly for both the dental professional and the patient.

Identifying the Material

Crowns are often made out of one of three materials: porcelain fused with metal, IPS e.max (Lithium Disilicate), or the more modern Zirconia. Each of these requires slightly different tools in order to remove them. This means that identifying them properly is key to a smooth dental procedure.

Choosing the Proper Tool

Porcelain Fused with Metal (PFM)

Porcelain fused with metal is relatively easy to remove. Use a diamond bur to cut through the porcelain down to the metal. Once the metal is reached, use a barracuda metal cutting cross-cut tungsten carbide bur to section the crown in preparation for removal. Be sure to cut from gingival margin to gingival margin to ensure easy removal. Next, place a dental instrument between the sections to pry the crown from the tooth. Should you run into issues with the piece not separating section it again with the carbide bur until removal is complete.

Changing burs for this procedure is important for two reasons. First, if you use the diamond bur on the metal amalgam it will skip and not cut efficiently. Second, if you use the tungsten carbide bur on the porcelain it is highly likely it will chip the material.

IPS e.max (Lithium Disilicate)

Lithium Disilicate is a great material for crowns due to its hardiness. It is usually bonded routinely or cemented with retentive prep. Because of its strength, it can be difficult to remove. Using Magic Touch diamond burs make this task a lot easier (we recommend using an 878K/021PF). Following this rule of thumb will make the procedure easier. These crowns require four slots, four diamonds, and four minutes.

Zirconia

Similar to Lithium Disilicate Zirconia is an excellent material and is renowned for its strength. This means when removing it you are going to need specialized burs. If a large grit diamond bur is used, the diamond will be pulled off the shank. Due to this, the Magic Touch Zirconia diamond burs are better for these crowns.

Unlike IPS e.max Zirconia is often bonded with luting cement. This makes it much more beneficial to section the material with burs and remove it as such.

Proper tools are the difference between a procedure going smoothly and creating a nightmare situation for you and your patient. Make sure you are properly prepared for your next procedure by checking out our catalog of dental burs and dental instruments.