Intracoronal preparations are those preparations which serve to hold restorative material within the confines of the structure of the crown of a tooth. Examples include all classes of cavity preparations for composite or amalgam, as well as those for gold inlays. Intracoronal preparations are also made as female recipients to receive the male components of RPD s.
Extracoronal preparations are those preparations which serve as a core or base upon which or around which restorative material will be placed to bring the tooth back into a functional or esthetic structure. Examples include crowns and onlays, as well as veneers.