Talk:Crown lengthening

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[edit] Procedure

Crown lengthening procedures aim to achieve biologic width by reducing bone to desired levels and in most instances reducing the soft tissue as well, usually with a 1mm submarginal incision. The decision as whether or not to incise the gingiva will depend on:

- Pocket depth. In areas of deeper pockets (>4)

- Gingival Recession. (incision is already done for you)

- Width of Keratinized tissue

- Esthetic limitations.

The Second incision is a sulcular incision that extends to the outer M/D line angle of last tooth. e.g. If performing Crown Lengthening on #13, #14 then the incision should extend from Mesial line angle of #12 to the Distal line of #15. The flap is reflected to reveal the bone. After complete removal of granulation tissue, a graduated periodontal probe is used to check the distance from the margin of the restoration to the crest of the alveolar bone. Bone is removed from around the tooth(s) and normal bony architecture is established.

This includes removal of any remainder ledges or sharp edges.

After this is completed simple flap suturing is done with either interrupted or continuous sutures.

The distance required from the margin of the restoration to the bone level will depend on whether the tooth will be crowned or not. The Basic principle of biologic width is that you need Approx. 2 mm of connective tissue and epithelial attachment and 1mm for the gingival sulcus. So if the tooth in question is not being crowned you will only need 3mm below the restoration. However, if that tooth will need a crown later you should leave enough space for the future location of your finish line (about 4-5 mm total under the restoration or build up).

The above has been moved here from article -- better integration into already existing article would be beneficial. DRosenbach ^{(Talk | Contribs)} 15:55, 17 June 2007 (UTC)