Principles of Crown Lengthening Surgery

From Volume 36, Issue 3, April 2009 | Pages 181-185

Authors

Geoffrey J Bateman

BDS, MFDS RCS(Ed), MMedEd, MRD RCS(Eng), FDS(Rest Dent) RCS(Ed)

Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, Birmingham, UK

Articles by Geoffrey J Bateman

Naveen Karir

BDS

Specialist Registrar in Restorative Dentistry, Birmingham Dental Hospital, St Chad's Queensway, Birmingham B4 6NN, UK

Articles by Naveen Karir

Shuva Saha

BDS, MFDS(Ed), MFDS(Eng), MPhil, Dip Con Sed, FDS(Rest Dent)

Specialist Registrar, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Birmingham Dental Hospital

Articles by Shuva Saha

Abstract

Crown lengthening is an invaluable tool for the restorative dentist in the management of short clinical crown heights. This procedure, as an adjunct to a holistic restorative treatment plan, can produce predictable results, whilst ensuring good aesthetics and maintaining periodontal health. Crown lengthening procedures are invaluable where toothwear or lack of supragingival tooth substance would render full coverage restoration difficult. Gaining access to subgingival caries for strategic abutments can also be achieved in this way. In certain instances, excessive gingival show or inharmonious gingival margin levels can be aesthetically managed with crown lengthening procedures.

Article