Mechanical Crown Removal Device (MCRD)
Presentation Type
Poster
Conference Date
Spring 4-17-2026
Abstract
Dental crown removal is a common clinical procedure, typically requiring significant time, physical exertion, and repetition from the dentist while also being uncomfortable and risky to the patient. Traditional techniques consist of sectioning with a dental drill, crown spreading, ultrasonic vibration, pneumatic removal, and sliding-hammer devices. These methods are limited by long procedure times, high costs, or the potential to damage the underlying tooth structure. This project addresses these challenges through the development of a Mechanical Crown Removal Device (MCRD), designed to provide a safer, more efficient alternative for removing adult molar crowns, specifically porcelain crowns bonded with Panavia cement.
The MCRD improves upon a previous independent study by eliminating ineffective design elements and introducing a stainless-steel clamping mechanism that is capable of securely attaching to crowns across both the maxillary and mandibular arches. Key design considerations included mouth biomechanics and crown geometry. Force limitations and constraints posed by varying mouth openings and dentist hand strength also had to be taken into consideration. Numerical evaluation matrices guided decisions regarding clamp type, materials, cement selection, crown compatibility, and grip design. The final device features 17-4 PH stainless steel construction, a universal screw-based clamp, German dental grips for stability, and a fulcrum system designed to be used with a standard dental crown spreader to increase mechanical advantage.
Finite Element Analysis validated a safety factor of 2.349, confirming that the device withstands clinically relevant stresses without failure. Clinical procedure development and a controlled testing protocol, including extraction force measurement using an Instron machine, will quantify the device’s effectiveness in overcoming the bond strength of Panavea cement. Supported by a $2,500 budget, this project plans to proceed with prototype fabrication, testing, and evaluation during the upcoming semester. Ultimately, the MCRT aims to reduce procedure redundancy, decrease crown-removal time, preserve healthy tooth structure, and offer dentists a reliable, user-friendly tool for restorative care.
Presenter
Brookelyn Darr, Laura Taro, Shimra Ramgarib, Isabel Attenhofer, & Emily Vanderbrook
Recommended Citation
Darr, B., Taro, L., Ramgarib, S., Attenhofer, I., & Vanderbrook, E. (2026). Mechanical Crown Removal Device (MCRD). Retrieved from https://repository.lsu.edu/discover_pubs/2
Faculty Mentor
Nicholas Totaro
Award
Top 5 Group Presentation, LSU College of Engineering
Academic Major
Biological Engineering; Biological Engineering; Biological Engineering; Biological Engineering; Biological Engineering