title: Surgical crown lengthening: a 12-month study - radiographic results.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to perform a radiographic follow-up evaluation after a 12-month healing period, following crown lengthening surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-three periodontally healthy subjects (mean age 32.5 years) that required crown lengthening surgery in premolars were recruited. In a total of 30 premolars, full thickness flaps, osseous resection, and flap suturing were performed. The restorative margin was defined in the pre-surgical phase and maintained unaltered during the healing period, serving as a reference point. Standardized bitewing radiographs were taken before and after osseous reduction, and at 2, 3, 6, and 12-month healing periods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Intact lamina dura was observed at both mesial and distal alveolar crests only from the 3rd month. At 12-months, all alveolar crests presented lamina dura. The overall mean distance from the restorative margin to the alveolar crest achieved after osseous resection was 3.28+/-0.87 mm at mesial and 2.81+/-0.51 mm at distal sites. No significant radiographic changes in the bone crest were observed during a 12-month healing period.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings of this study suggest that the radiographic proximal bone level observed on bitewing radiographs following crown lengthening surgery can be used as a reference to predict the future level of the healed alveolar crest.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, Dental School of Bauru, University of São Paulo, Bauru, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Daniela Eleutério
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Diniz
authors.forename: Kalizia Marcela
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Okuda
authors.forename: Clarissa Ribeiro
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Fonseca
authors.forename: Marly Kimie Sonohara
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Gonzalez
authors.forename: Sebastião Luiz Aguiar
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Greghi
authors.forename: Accácio Lins
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: do Valle
authors.forename: José Roberto Pereira
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Lauris