Review of periodontal considerations and surgical retraction techniques for operative dentistry

Gingival margins of restorations should generally be placed supragingivally or at the gingival crest; however, some valid parameters exist for the extension of margins into the gingival crevice. The successful restoration of teeth in subgingival locations requires familiarity with periodontal anatomy. This paper reviews periodontal considerations, then presents several surgical techniques that facilitate access and improve the periodontal prognosis of teeth that have been compromised through fracture, caries, prior restorative treatment, or habit.