Crown Lengthening Research Articles

Management of subgingival proximal defects

Deep proximal cavities can be progressively elevated by a restorative procedure known as deep margin elevation (DME), which improves margins for either direct or indirect restorations. Dietschi and Spreafico (1998) introduced the non-surgical alternative procedure of DME for crown lengthening. Other names for the DME concept include “coronal margin relocation,” “proximal box elevation,” and “cervical margin relocation.” A DME treatment’s therapeutic effectiveness depends on a proper indication, and its clinical efficacy is largely dependent on how well the DME is adjusted. In addition to maintaining periodontal health, a suitable DME adaption may be able to lessen bacterial buildup and the occurrence of secondary caries. Here, we report on three cases of DME that were performed when adequate isolation was possible, and caries was progressing subgingivally.

Reconstructing confidence: Fiber reinforced reattachment of a fractured maxillary lateral incisor – A clinical case report

AbstractA broken smile can be more than just a physical injury—it can impact self-esteem and confidence. This case highlights the successful reattachment of a fractured upper front tooth in a 32-year-old female following a recent fall. The comprehensive treatment strategy involved immediate root canal therapy to relieve pain, followed by a gingivectomy and osteotomy to correct the subgingival fracture and restore the biologic width. Advanced techniques, including fiber post and core reconstruction reinforced with ribbond fiber, were used to stabilize and support the tooth structure. The final touch is done with a layer of composite for optimal function and aesthetics. This holistic approach not only revived the patient's smile but also rejuvenated her confidence and psychological well-being.

Rehabilitation of a Severely Mutilated Premolar by Crown Lengthening using Glass Fibre post: A Case Report

Rehabilitation of a Severely Mutilated Premolar by Crown Lengthening using Glass Fibre post: A Case Report

Prosthodontic rehabilitation with crown lengthening by guided periodontal surgery

Prosthodontic rehabilitation with crown lengthening by guided periodontal surgery

Apically Positioned Flap Technique for Crown Lengthening Procedure

Apically Positioned Flap Technique for Crown Lengthening Procedure

Full-mouth rehabilitation with lithium disilicate ceramic crowns in hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta: a case report and review of literature

BackgroundAmelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a group of genetic disorders characterized by tooth discoloration and enamel defects. Patients with AI always exhibit generalized attrition and defective tooth structure, leading to the loss of occlusal vertical dimension (OVD). Appropriate rehabilitation is challenging and essential to improve patients’ aesthetics and function.Case presentationThis case report presents a comprehensive management of a 30-year-old woman with hypoplastic AI. A 52-month follow-up revealed satisfactory full-mouth rehabilitation performances of lithium disilicate ceramic crowns after clinical crown lengthening, with increased vertical dimension.ConclusionsPatients with severe hypoplastic AI require proper full-mouth rehabilitation. Using full-crown lithium disilicate restorations to increase the OVD by 2‒4 mm is a safe and predictable recommendation for such cases. In addition, patients with AI require complex and comprehensive management. The long-term effects of full-mouth rehabilitation with lithium disilicate ceramic crowns still necessitate further follow-ups.

Surgical Extrusion of Three Premolars to Re-establish the Biological Width: Case Series.

This case series was to describe the use of surgical extrusion for three different cases as a technique to re-establish the biological width in patients with insufficient crown height. Surgical extrusion serves as an important means to reestablishing a proper biological width. Such method provides an excellent alternative for the restoration of teeth with insufficient ferrule and ensuring a suitable dental restoration. This case series describes the management of three different cases with compromised teeth #25, #35, and #44, respectively. The approach involved the surgical extrusion of the compromised sites from subgingival to supragingival and the splinting of the teeth using a semi-rigid splint. A successful prognosis was observed on follow-up visits. This technique is a good alternative for general practitioners because of its easy implementation and time efficiency. In addition, the method requires less equipment and provides for adequate space for the re-establishment of biological width. Such technique can re-establish a healthy biological width, the existing occlusion can be maintained without alterations, and it demonstrated the suitability of surgical extrusion technique in such clinical situations. Case selection is equally important. Cases with single-rooted teeth with fractures or caries in proximity to the marginal bone level without vertical root fractures generally provide positive outcomes on providing this treatment. How to cite this article: Boreak N, Al Moaleem MM, Zain AA, et al. Surgical Extrusion of Three Premolars to Re-establish the Biological Width: Case Series. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(6):593-598.

Lip Repositioning with Internal Suturing and Crown Lengthening in a Single Visit: Case Report

Lip Repositioning with Internal Suturing and Crown Lengthening in a Single Visit: Case Report

Aesthetic surgical crown lengthening on teeth 11 and 21

Background: In dental treatment planning, aesthetic considerations are crucial due to the relationship between a smile and facial beauty. Crown lengthening is a procedure used to achieve aesthetic smiles, particularly in cases of subgingival caries, fractures, and short clinical crowns. Purpose: The purpose of this case report is to achieve aesthetic improvement of the central incisors through crown lengthening procedures. Case: A 31-year-old female patient presented with a complaint of a broken upper left front tooth and easily bleeding gums. Clinical examination revealed Ellis class 1 fracture at the incisal-distal of tooth 21. The patient exhibited poor oral hygiene with visible calculus on upper and lower jaw teeth. There was gingival hyperplasia, redness, bleeding tendency, and the gingival margin height of teeth 11 and 21 appeared lower than teeth 12 and 22. Radiographically, the alveolar crest was distant from the CEJ. Case Management: Treatment plan included crown lengthening on teeth 11 and 21 with composite restoration on tooth 21. Crown lengthening, a surgical procedure designed to increase the extent of supragingival tooth structure for restorative or aesthetic purposes by repositioning the gingival margin apically was performed. This procedure is indicated for teeth with subgingival caries, extensive caries shortening the tooth, fractures, and short clinical crowns. Conclusion: Crown lengthening should consider the biological width to prevent bone resorption, gingival recession, inflammation, or hypertrophy. When performed under ideal clinical conditions, crown lengthening provides satisfactory outcomes both functionally and aesthetically.

Esthetic crown lengthening treatment on the maxillary anterior teeth

Background: Asymmetrical smile design due to uneven gingival margin heights of the anterior upper teeth can lead to aesthetic issues and inadequate crown restorations, necessitating crown lengthening treatment. Purpose: The objective of this case report is to demonstrate the outcomes of crown lengthening to achieve improved aesthetics and symmetric gingival margin heights. Case: A 16-year-old female patient sought treatment for decayed left maxillary anterior teeth. Clinical examination revealed a non-vital tooth (tooth 21) with decay and excessively low gingival margins, along with asymmetrical gingival heights between the incisors and canines. Radiographs indicated radiolucent mass in the pulp chamber. Case Management: Crown lengthening was performed on teeth 12, 11, 21, and 22, and apexification was conducted on tooth 21 using a customized fiber post and lithium disilicate crown. Follow-up evaluations showed no complaints, well-maintained crowns, and healthy gingiva. Conclusion: Crown lengthening is feasible for anterior teeth with low gingival margins, enhancing clinical crown length to support aesthetic and final restorations in maxillary anterior teeth.

An interdisciplinary treatment to reshape upper anterior displaced teeth by using dynamic occlusal recording with an intraoral scanner.

This article describes an interdisciplinary treatment that helped a patient with displaced upper anterior teeth. A gingivectomy, root canal therapies, digital smile design, digital wax-up, and guided tooth preparations were applied. A patient with pathologically migrated teeth asked for treatment without orthodontic involvement due to a primary failed orthodontic treatment history. A smile photo was taken and superimposed with the dentition in a CAD software to accomplish a digital smile design. The jaw movements were recorded with two different methods, a mechanical articulator and an intraoral scanner with Patient-Specific-Motion function. The occlusal contacts during protrusive and lateral movements were compared and the digital wax-up was designed according to the later occlusal data. An aesthetic crown lengthening and pre-op root canal treatment were carried out in advance accordingly. After guided tooth preparation with a silicone index, the final fixed restorations were manufactured and cemented. A 2-year follow-up showed that our prosthesis functions well. This clinical report revealed that an intraoral scanner with Patient-Specific-Motion function can effectively record individual dynamic occlusal patterns and these data can be integrated into the CAD/CAM process to enhance the fulfillment of clinical requirements. This clinical procedure with a 2-year follow-up demonstrated that a prosthodontic-based interdisciplinary treatment of pathologically migrated teeth using dynamic occlusal recording with an intraoral scanner could achieve satisfactory esthetics in a relatively short treatment period. The Patient Specific Motion module may be used to record a personalized functional movement and the data can be integrated into the design process of the final restorations.

Digitally Designed Double Surgical Guides (DDDSG) for Crown Lengthening

Digitally Designed Double Surgical Guides (DDDSG) for Crown Lengthening

Factors Affecting Patients' Atttendance for Periodontal Follow-up Visits after Crown Lengthening Surgery.

To assess adherence to follow-up maintenance visits among patients who had previously undergone crown-lengthening surgery and investigate the different factors impacting their compliance. A total of 314 patients were identified for follow-up appointments. Based on their responses, participants were categorised into four groups: attendees, non-attendees, refusals, and unreachable. Furthermore, data on sociodemographic factors (age, sex, nationality, marital status, education, occupation, and residential area), medical history, dental history (including missing teeth, implants, or orthodontic treatment history), and past appointment attendance (average yearly appointments, missed appointment percentage, and last appointment date) were collected and analysed to understand their influence on patient compliance. In a sample of 314 patients, 102 (32.5%) attended the appointments successfully. Improved attendance rates were significantly associated with being female, Saudi Arabian, married, and employed (p < 0.05). Moreover, patients with a high frequency of annual appointments and a recent history of appointments exhibited better compliance. None of the analysed dental factors affected the attendance rates. About one-third of patients who had undergone crown lengthening surgery were compliant with the follow-up visits. Different factors influenced this compliance pattern to varying extents, with more efforts needed to enhance patients' commitment to these visits.

Patient-Reported Outcomes After Periodontal Surgical Procedures.

Background Patient satisfaction is the primary focus of the healthcare system. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are standardized and valid measures obtained directly from the patients and are used to assess and compare the efficacy of healthcare services. This can help improve the service provided by the healthcare system. Therefore, this study aimed to assess PROMs during the first week post-surgery across different periodontal surgical procedures and explore their correlation with surgical duration. Furthermore, the study sought to evaluate the occurrence of postoperative complications. Methodology A total of 30 healthy patients with no systemic history, requiring periodontal surgical procedures such as crown lengthening (CLP), open flap debridement (OFD), and soft tissue grafting (STG) were included in the study. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was utilized for gathering PROMs concerning bleeding, swelling, bruising, and pain at intervals of days zero, three, five, and seven after the surgical procedure. Results On the surgical day and over seven days, VAS scores were the lowest for CLP and highest for STG procedures. This result is in accordance with the duration required for surgery. VAS scores for OFD were intermediate. Prevalence of 20% soft tissue graft dehiscence and 40% tenderness on palpation was observed. Swelling and bleeding were noticed in 10% and 20% of OFD cases. Conclusions One week post-surgically, the mean VAS scores were minimum for CLP, whereas maximum for STG procedures. As CLP and OFD require less duration compared to STG, duration plays a significant role in post-surgical outcomes. Prevalence of the post-surgical complications is also related to the duration of the surgery.

Soft Tissue Retraction Maneuver in Cone Beam Computed Tomography Prior to Crown-Lengthening Procedure-A Technical Note.

Background: An accurate determination of the biological width and the relationship of the cemento-enamel junction with the border of the alveolar bone is crucial during a clinical crown-lengthening (CCL) procedure. The aim of this study was to present a technical note about the retraction techniques in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) prior to CCL, highlighting the significant enhancement in procedural accuracy and predictability that these techniques offer. Methods: Clinical and radiological examinations should be performed before a CCL procedure. It is necessary to determine the length of the tooth crowns, the periodontal pockets' depth, and the phenotype of the gingiva. The ideal CBCT examination should be performed with soft tissue retraction. This can be achieved using retractors or cotton rolls. Results: Retraction of the lips, cheeks, and tongue allows one to assess the marginal gingiva, the cemento-enamel junction, and the alveolar bone. A detailed plan of the CCL procedure, which involves retraction, ensures both the aesthetic appeal and the achievement of a newly defined gingival zenith, enhancing the overall visual harmony. Conclusions: Compared with conventional radiographic imaging, the soft tissue retraction maneuver in CBCT prior to CCL surgery offers an effective approach to the evaluation and diagnosis of soft and hard tissue. This is because of the detailed planning of the aesthetic CCL procedure. Such an approach leads to superior aesthetic outcomes in dentistry, contributing to the advancement of aesthetic dentistry through a harmonious blend of art and science.

Survival analysis of teeth following clinical crown lengthening and crown insertion procedures up to 14 years: A retrospective cohort study.

The purpose of this study was to conduct survival analysis of teeth following clinical crown lengthening procedures (CLPs) and crown insertions via a retrospective cohort study. Patient- and tooth-related data were collected from 268 participants who received CLPs from 2009 to 2015. The Kaplan-Meier curve and the log-rank tests were used to estimate the probability of survival and compare the survival probabilities among different variables. A Cox multivariate proportional hazard regression model was used to investigate the collective effects of root canal treatment (RCT) and the types of opposing dentition. The rate of tooth loss was 21.6% during the observation period from 1 to 14 years, with 58 teeth extracted. The most attributable reason for tooth extraction was coronal tooth fracture, followed by endodontic failure such as root fracture. The survival probability was 0.87 at 5 years and 0.7 at 10 years. No significant differences in the survival probabilities were found among different providers and locations, the presence of a post, and the types of crowns. The hazard ratio for tooth loss was 6.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) [2.6 to 20.9] in the teeth with RCT (p<0.001) and 2.4, 95% CI [1.1 to 4.8] in the teeth occluding implant-retained prostheses (p=0.016). Tooth loss following CLPs and crown insertions appeared least among the teeth without RCT when occluding natural teeth, while tooth loss was most among the teeth with RCT when occluding implants.

Influence of crown-lengthening surgery on teeth rehabilitated with ceramic single crowns: A 12-month prospective clinical study

ObjectiveTo compare the clinical periodontal parameters of teeth restored with a single ceramic crown, with and without crown lengthening procedure. MethodsThis prospective, longitudinal, controlled, and single-blinded clinical trial involved 22 patients with a total of forty-one teeth with ceramic crowns. The teeth were divided into two groups: test (n = 21), comprising teeth rehabilitated post crown-lengthening surgery, and control (n = 20), comprising teeth rehabilitated without crown-lengthening surgery. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BoP), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were compared between groups (surgically treated and non-surgically treated) and within each group for each type of site (treated -tt; adjacent – ad; and nonadjacent - nad). Additionally, gingival phenotype (GP), gingival recession (GR), and keratinized tissue width (KTW) were also assessed post- restoration. Statistical analyses used a significance level set at 5 %. ResultsPI, GI, and BoP were reduced, but no statistically significant differences were observed within each group or between groups for most follow-up periods. CAL of the TT sites was consistently higher in the test group, and PD was also higher in the test group (p < 0.05), except at T3. adPD, nadPD, adCAL, and nadCAL demonstrated no significant differences between groups and periods. A significant association was identified between GP and the occurrence of GR, with the thick-flat phenotype demonstrating less association with GR, regardless of whether crown lengthening was performed or not. ConclusionCrown-lengthening surgery in rehabilitated teeth does not significantly affect PI and GI after 12 months. Although crown-lengthening surgery affected PD and CAL in TT sites, it did not affect adjacent and non-adjacent sites. Clinical relevanceThese findings emphasize the importance of considering individual patient factors and the potential impact on periodontal tissues when planning crown-lengthening surgery. Clinicians must have a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of the periodontal tissues involved in restorative treatments to optimize the procedure, increase success rates, and minimize potential complications.

Digital resources for surgical and restorative treatment of excessive gingival display in one session.

This article aims to showcase the implementation of a digital workflow in addressing a case of multifactorial excessive gingival display in a patient with high esthetic demands, incorporating both surgical and restorative interventions in a single session. A 28-year-old female patient presented with excessive gingival display, attributed to a combination of short teeth due to altered passive eruption, lip hyperactivity, and a sub-nasal depression that lodged the upper lip during spontaneous smiling. The multidisciplinary treatment strategy encompassed surgical crown lengthening, the placement of a biovolume in the maxillary concavity, and the rehabilitation of the six anterior teeth with direct composite resin, all done in a single session. Smilecloud Biometrics was used to digitally plan the smile, and the final wax-up/mock-up was approved by the patient prior to any irreversible procedure. A digital planning center (GuiderLab) enabled the materialization of the virtual planning and the printing of the periodontal surgical guide, the biovolume, and the resin layering guides for the restorative technique. Adopting a digital workflow in multidisciplinary cases with excessive gingival display leads to predictable and more expedited outcomes, ensuring a favorable result between soft and hard tissues. Excessive gingival display is a condition with multifactorial etiologies, including dentoalveolar, periodontal, skeletal, or muscular origins, or a combination of these factors. The diagnoses of altered passive eruption and a hypermobile upper lip are common in daily clinical practice and can be successfully managed through surgical crown lengthening and filling of the maxillary concavity, respectively. To achieve the desired outcome, restorative procedures often complement these surgical interventions.

Evaluation of minimally invasive esthetic crown lengthening using an open flap versus flapless surgical approach: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Esthetic crown lengthening (ECL) is commonly advocated to treat patients with altered passive eruption (APE). Since the introduction of the minimally invasive surgical concept, a limited number of studies have investigated this technique in a standardized manner, with further studies required to verify the validity and predictability of the minimally invasive FL-technique. The current randomized trial compares a minimally invasive (ECL), using piezosurgery with flapless-approach (FL), versus an open-flap (OF) approach in the management of patients with APE Type 1B. Twenty-four patients diagnosed with APE Type 1B were randomly assigned into test (FL) with tunneling approach or control (OF) group with minimally invasive flap reflection (n = 12/group). Postoperative pain was assessed during the first 48 h. Gingival margin (GM) level relative to a custom-made stent (rGM) and patient satisfaction were assessed preoperative, immediately after surgery, at 3 and 6 months postsurgically. Postoperative swelling was reported for the first week postsurgically. Plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BoP), clinical attachment level (CAL), pocket depth (PD) and pink esthetic score (PES), were evaluated at baseline and 6 months. Linear regression analysis was conducted for pain. OF-group reported significantly higher pain and swelling scores than FL-group during the first 48 h (p < 0.05). FL-group showed no significant differences regarding rGM between 3 and 6 months, in contrast to OF-group, where a significant decrease in rGM was notable (p < 0.05). No significant differences in PI, BoP, CAL, PD, PES, and patient satisfaction scores were evident between groups (p > 0.05). Regression analysis demonstrated that treatment and gender were significant predictors for pain (p < 0.05). Within the current study's limitations, piezo-surgical ECL with FL-approach presented significantly lower postoperative pain, swelling, and early GM stability compared to OF-approach. Piezosurgical ECL with a FL-approach can be considered a predictable technique with advantages over the OF-approach in the management of patients with APE Type1B.

Digital Planning to Enhance Diagnosis and Precision in Correcting Excessive Gingival Display in the Presence of Asymmetrical Maxillary Position: A Case Report.

This case report addresses the treatment of excessive gingival display (EGD) in the context of maxillary asymmetry, zenith irregularities, and occlusal plane inclination. Digital planning was pivotal in formulating a precise treatment strategy by incorporating facial photographs, digital models, and cone-beam computed tomography data. Parameters, including occlusal plane inclination, teeth position, and lip-to-gingival margin relationships, were considered to ensure treatment alignment with the patient's facial characteristics. Notably, during the planning phase, it was evident that the conventional approach using the cementoenamel junction as the apical limit for incisions would result in asymmetry. Consequently, the gingival margin position was defined in accordance with facial and lip features. The chosen treatment, flapless crown lengthening, was tailored to the patient's thin phenotype and guided by measurements derived from digital planning. Postsurgery, the patient experienced a swift and painless recovery. A harmonious smile with a stable gingival margin position was achieved at the 1-year follow-up, seamlessly complementing the patient's facial attributes. This case underscores the importance of personalized EGD treatment and the value of digital planning in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and precise treatment planning, ultimately facilitating optimal treatment strategies.