Crown lengthening: the periodontal-restorative connection

Crown lengthening procedures are based on biologic principles that can be determinants for successful treatment. These procedures are fixed on an understanding of the biologic width. A few of the indications for crown lengthening are caries beneath the gingival margin, fractured teeth with insufficient clinical crown exposure, and teeth with excessive occlusal or incisal wear. This article describes flap designs, the use of a new bur probe for precise measurement of clinical crown exposure, and suturing methods for flap stabilization. Clinical documentation of patients with various clinical situations requiring crown lengthening is presented.