To vent or not to vent?

The complete seating of full coronal restorations during cementation is hindered by the inability of cement to flow from the internal surface of the crown, and possible binding of the crown on the tooth. Perforation venting is an effective technique to allow full seating but requires repair of the perforation. Provision of space between the crown and the tooth for cement flow is also an effective technique, and does not require repair of a perforation. Such spacing is commonly achieved with die spacer, and has the added possibility of decreasing crown deformation during cementation by diminishing binding between the crown and the tooth. A disclosing agent is effective in aiding complete seating by identifying areas of binding. These areas can subsequently be adjusted, which will allow more complete seating. The placement of an appropriate amount of cement in the crown or on the preparation is an important addition to cementation technique.