Tooth preservation by forced extrusion using magnets. A case report

Abstract

Teeth with extensive loss of coronal tooth structure due to caries or trauma require restorative or prosthetic rehabilitation. However, deep subgingival preparation jeopardizing the biological width or the loss of ferrule effect compromise a succesful longterm restoration. Therefore, crown lengthening is indicated instead. This can be achieved by resective osseous surgery or by forced extrusion of the tooth. An advantage of crown lengthening by extrusion is the preservation of the adjacent periodontium and alveolar bone. Particularly in the esthetically challenging maxillary front region the level of the marginal gingiva can be positively corrected by forced extrusion using orthodontic appliances or magnets. Magnets for forced extrusion due to their small size can be invisibly integrated into temporary devices providing further advantages in the esthetic zone. However, forced extrusion requires a longer treatment time. This case report presents a forced extrusion procedure using magnets on a severely destroyed canine with optimization of the marginal gingiva.