HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which dental term refers to a cast metal, tooth-shaped cover that replaces the entire crown area?

1. Onlay

2. Full crown

3. Dowel crown

4. Indirect veneer

The correct answer is: Full crown

The term that denotes a cast metal, tooth-shaped cover designed to replace the entire crown area of a tooth is known as a full crown. A full crown encases the tooth entirely above the gum line, providing strength and support to a tooth that is severely damaged or decayed. This restoration is particularly beneficial when a tooth has lost a significant amount of its structure due to decay or trauma, serving to restore its function and aesthetics. In contrast, an onlay is a more conservative restoration that covers only part of the tooth, typically when only a portion of the tooth is damaged. A dowel crown is specifically used in conjunction with a root canal treatment, essentially serving as a post that provides support for a crown but does not encompass the entire crown area itself. Lastly, an indirect veneer involves a thin layer applied to the front surface of the tooth, focusing on cosmetic enhancement rather than providing the structural support that a full crown offers.