Sequential crown reductions of extracted human teeth were made to evaluate both regional differences in dentin permeability and the effects of tooth reduction. Two different methods of tooth reduction were used. In group 1, tooth reduction was nonuniform but was done in a manner similar to conventional crown preparations. Maximum, total crown permeability was measured using a pressurized fluid filtration technique after removing the smear layer. Regional reductions in permeability were accomplished by creating smear layers on mesial, distal, buccal, lingual, and occlusal surfaces sequentially. Between each step, changes in dentin permeability were measured. In group 2, tooth reductions were uniform and regional permeability was reduced by localized application of potassium oxalate. Both methods demonstrated increased permeability of dentin as the prepared surfaces approached the pulp chamber. Generally, the mesial surfaces were more permeable than the distal surfaces. The occlusal and lingual surfaces were the least permeable regions.