What is the minimum axial reduction required for a dental crown?

The minimum axial reduction required for a dental crown is typically about 1.5 mm. This amount of reduction is necessary to ensure that there is enough space for the crown material to achieve optimal strength and aesthetics. With 1.5 mm of axial reduction, it allows for adequate thickness of the crown to withstand occlusal forces during function, as well as providing sufficient material to conceal underlying tooth structure. This reduction also helps in creating a proper retention form for the crown, ensuring that it will remain securely in place after cementation.

Other values, such as 2.0 mm or 2.5 mm, provide additional thickness that may be necessary for certain materials or specific clinical situations, but 1.5 mm is the standard requirement in general practice. Axial reductions that are lower than 1.5 mm risk compromising the crown's integrity and may lead to issues such as fracture or inadequate esthetics.