A

Sectioning the two-surface inlay through its occlusal isthmus allows each half to be lifted out separately, so only minimal force is transmitted to the premolar cusps. Reviews of cast-restoration removal show that controlled cutting and piecemeal removal is far less traumatic to tooth structure than chisels, elevators, or attempts to dislodge the entire casting intact [Oliva, 1979, PMID 385668].