Envision the pulp chamber outline on the lingual surface: for maxillary central incisors, this outline should be triangular with the apex of the triangle oriented gingivally. Preparations should be approximately concentric with the overall outline of the tooth (Law of Concentricity).

For the CDCA, the incisal aspect of the opening should be approximately 3.0 mm from the incisal edge (but at least ≥2.0 mm), while the cervical aspect of the opening should be 4-5mm from the CEJ (and at least ≥3.0 mm), so as not to encroach on the cingulum.
At its widest point mesiodistally, the width of the preparation is about 3mm, and no more than ½ of the lingual surface width mesiodistally. Do not violate the marginal ridges. Your access opening should be ~2.0mm from the distal aspect of the marginal ridges.
Clinical Note: Due to calcification of the mesial and distal pulp horns, in older patients access openings for anterior teeth are more ovoid in shape.

Access Openings

Coming soon!