This clinical report demonstrates a modification to the crown-removal technique originally introduced by Garver. The original 'safe technique' was intended as a fairly predictable method of retrieving restorations after 'temporary cementation', but it is less successful with restorations that have been 'permanently cemented'. The modification involves the creation of a retentive pit which is sunk in the facial surface of the crown. This pit serves as supplemental retention for the coping of resin which acts as a mechanical purchase for a reverse mallet. This technique is offered as an alternative method of atraumatic crown removal in those instances where the traditional technique has failed to dislodge cemented restorations.