Surgical crown lengthening: a 12-month study - radiographic results.
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.
Diniz
Daniela Eleutério
DE
Department of Periodontology, Dental School of Bauru, University of São Paulo, Bauru, SP, Brazil.
Okuda
Kalizia Marcela
KM
Fonseca
Clarissa Ribeiro
CR
Gonzalez
Marly Kimie Sonohara
MK
Greghi
Sebastião Luiz Aguiar
SL
do Valle
Accácio Lins
AL
Lauris
José Roberto Pereira
JR