HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which crown includes a dowel pin extending into the root canal of a pulpless tooth?

1. Three-quarter crown

2. Dowel crown

3. Onlay

4. Resin-bonded bridge

The correct answer is: Dowel crown

The correct answer is a dowel crown, which is specifically designed for pulpless teeth that require additional support. A dowel crown incorporates a metal or fiber dowel that extends into the root canal of the tooth to provide stability and retention for the crown itself. This design is crucial for restoring the function and aesthetic of a tooth that has lost significant structure due to decay or trauma. This type of crown helps to anchor the restoration more securely by utilizing the existing tooth structure beneath the gum line, which is particularly important in teeth that have undergone endodontic treatment. The dowel pin effectively serves as a foundation in the absence of vital pulp, thus enabling better distribution of occlusal forces and reducing the risk of fracture in the restoration. In contrast, other options serve different purposes. A three-quarter crown covers the majority of the tooth but does not extend into the root canal, an onlay provides coverage for the occlusal surface and is less invasive, and a resin-bonded bridge is used to replace missing teeth without involving a dowel pin configuration.