Importance of Stump Shade Taking:
When an all-ceramic case (e.Max or High Translucent Zirconia) arrives in the laboratory, the dies are treated to match the shade of patient’s prepared tooth structure. This procedure is done so that:
The technician can select the correct shaded e.Max ingot or Zirconia block.
The staining process will be adjusted according to the dentin/stump color.
At the quality control inspections along the way, the technician can know how the restoration will look in the mouth.
Tips for taking stump shades:
Take the shade as soon as you have finished prepping, so the dentin/stump is not dehydrated.
Use a stump shade guide that matches the shade of the prepared teeth. You may even use the cervical shade of any shade guide to take a stump shade.
Hold the shade tab in the same plane as the tooth and photograph it. Make sure the printed shade guide number is captured in the photograph.
If the shade is between two shades, it can be helpful to have both shade guides in the photograph.
Stump shades are needed for all-ceramic (e.Max and High Translucent Zirconia).
When stump shades vary within a smile makeover due to a root canal or post build-up, use composite to block out the darkness and match the adjacent stump.
Conclusion:
As with all restorations, the more information provided to the laboratory the more accurate restoration will be fabricated.