The Advent of the Compression Dome Concept

Abstract

A detailed understanding of the histoanatomic structures and active interaction of the natural dentition provides dentists with
the optimum decisive advantage with regard to fabrication of the final restoration. The article attempts to provide an overview
of the protective structure naturally present in the tooth. The concept of a “peripheral rim of enamel” and the manifestation
of compressive and tensile fractures within the peripheral rim of enamel and dentin has been described. Enamel acts as a
stress distributor. The load is transferred to the root vertically and horizontally to the crown by means of the dentinoenamel
junction. A DEJ is a thicker zone that undergoes greater stress than the central coronal dentin. The conventional cavity designs
are disharmonious with the tooth’s natural mechanical stress distribution system. This philosophy prompts the use of modern
methods of caries detection for early accurate minimal intervention in the caries process. This helps to preserve internal
mechanical structures within the tooth that is vital to its long-term mechanical viability. The mechanical insult on the tooth
leads to weakening of the healthy tooth complex as well as loss of tooth structure. When the forces exceed the clinical
parameters, the tooth starts to breakdown leading to ultimate fracture. The article also emphasizes on the various treatment
modalities and the use of minimally invasive and adhesive technologies to maintain the integrity of the tooth and protect it from
future damage. The prosthodontist should attain keen knowledge of the tooth and how it responds to the intraoral exertions.
Key words: Compression dome, dentinoenamel complex, tooth structure