THE ROLE OF REMAINING DENTIN THICKNESS DURING VITAL TOOTH PREPARATION FOR AN ARTIFICIAL CROWN AND METHODS FOR ITS EVALUATION (LITERATURE REVIEW)

In modern prosthodontics, despite the rapid pace of digitalization, the implementation of preventive programs, and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, the preparation of hard dental tissues remains one of the most common clinical procedures. The most severe complications of this manipulation occur in vital teeth. Traumatic pulpitis ranks first among such complications, driven by damaging factors of preparation such as mechanical, thermal, and vibrational impacts. Pulpitis may develop both during the reduction of hard dental tissues and sometime after the procedure. This article presents data from both modern and widely recognized fundamental dental science regarding the mechanisms of traumatic pulpitis development and the factors determining its risk. Information is provided on the proposed safe remaining dentin thickness (RDT) as a key parameter determining the long-term occurrence of traumatic pulpitis. The paper cites studies proposing various methods to evaluate the thickness of the remaining circumpulpal dentin. The capabilities of radiological methods and computer software for planning hard dental tissue preparation are analyzed. Furthermore, the most effective patented devices capable of reducing the risk of pulp damage during preparation are described. In conclusion, the article highlights the increasing role of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in planning both comprehensive dental treatment and specific manipulations. It emphasizes the need to develop specialized computer software for determining the volume of upcoming hard tissue preparation, based on automated differentiation of targeted reduction depending on the material of the future artificial crown, anatomical features, and individual clinical characteristics.