Functional crown lengthening surgery in the aesthetic zone; periodontic and prosthodontic considerations

Crown lengthening surgery aims to increase the amount of supragingival tooth tissue by resection of the soft and/or hard tissues to enable otherwise unrestorable teeth to be restored by increasing the retention and resistance forms of the teeth. Restoration of the worn dentition may require significant prosthodontic knowledge and skill. A prosthodontist should be involved from the beginning of the management of the patient. A number of key stages should be considered for correct management. Although the periodontist may guide the prosthodontist with regards to what may or may not be possible surgically, the overall treatment plan should be prosthodontically driven. Clinical Relevance: Toothwear of the anterior dentition provides a unique challenge to restore not only function but also to manage the aesthetic demands of the patient. To ensure that the correct outcome is reached, clinicians should be familiar with the normal anatomical proportions and relationships to enable planning and treatment to take place.