Journal of Dental Research, Vol 62, 997-1001, Copyright © 1983 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Effect of mandibular molar anatomy on the buccal Class I cavity preparation
G. J. Re, D. Pruitt, J. M. Childers and B. K. Norling
In mandibular molars, enamel dramatically increases in thickness at the
buccal pit area and progresses occlusally due to an extensive concavity in
the buccal dentinal core. In order to comply with the principles of
operative dentistry, this anatomic variance dictates that, if the ultimate
restoration is to be placed in dentin, the axial wall of a Class I buccal
pit preparation should incline medially rather than follow the external
contour of the tooth. The occlusal cavosurface angle of the preparation
should be obtuse to coincide with enamel rod direction. Retention, when
needed, should be placed at the mesio-axial and disto-axial line angles to
avoid undermining occlusal intercuspal enamel, especially as the
preparation approaches 2 mm occlusal to the buccal pit.
