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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Expert Forum)
Orthodontic extrusion v. crown lengthening?
Answered by
Michael H Kirsch, DDS - Oral Surgery, Maxillofacial, Wisdom Teeth, Bone Grafting, dental implants
Dr. Michael H. Kirsch
Caldwell - NJ
Questions in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery forum are answered by Dr. Michael H Kirsch. Topics covered include teeth extractions, wisdom teeth, dental implants, bone grafting, orthognathic surgery, facial bones realignment, facial trauma repair, jaw alignment, anesthesia, jaw cyst or tumor diagnosis, reconstructive jaw surgery, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) and TMJ surgery.
Orthodontic extrusion v. crown lengthening?
by elspouse, Jul 24, 2008 08:15AM
I have been told that I have a molar with decay close to the gumline, and that to restore the tooth, crown lengthening (after RCT) will be needed.
I understand that there are a lot of disadvantages to crown lengthening, and that orthodontic extrusion has fewer downsides. Is that true? Can most teeth that need CL treatment be extruded instead? Can I expect orthodontic extrusion to cost almost as much as orthodontic treatment of the entire mouth, or is it usually just a fraction of the cost?
Also, why is extrusion generally disfavored in the US (as opposed to CL) compared to overseas?
I understand that there are a lot of disadvantages to crown lengthening, and that orthodontic extrusion has fewer downsides. Is that true? Can most teeth that need CL treatment be extruded instead? Can I expect orthodontic extrusion to cost almost as much as orthodontic treatment of the entire mouth, or is it usually just a fraction of the cost?
Also, why is extrusion generally disfavored in the US (as opposed to CL) compared to overseas?
Doctor's Answer
by Michael H Kirsch, DDS, Jul 27, 2008 06:29AM
, Jul 27, 2008 06:29AM
It all depends upon how much root surface will be available below the gum to support the crown. Extrusion is rarely done in the posterior (back) part of the mouth as there is a risk of damage to the adjacent teeth.
Crown lengthening is more common, however even that is becoming a less popular option since extract and replacement with a dental implant has a better survival rate.
With crown lengthening the doctor needs to remove good healthy bone from around that tooth and also the adjacent teeth. That is no longer considered conservative!
My personal preference is to have the tooth extracted, leave the adjacent teeth alone and preserve the bone (which is vital to their long term survival) and simply replace the tooth with a dental implant.
Information contained within this reply is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not intended nor implied to be a medical diagnosis or treatment recommendation. This is not a substitute for professional medical advice relative to your specific medical condition or question. Always seek the advice of your own doctor for medical condition. Only your doctor can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.
Crown lengthening is more common, however even that is becoming a less popular option since extract and replacement with a dental implant has a better survival rate.
With crown lengthening the doctor needs to remove good healthy bone from around that tooth and also the adjacent teeth. That is no longer considered conservative!
My personal preference is to have the tooth extracted, leave the adjacent teeth alone and preserve the bone (which is vital to their long term survival) and simply replace the tooth with a dental implant.
Information contained within this reply is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not intended nor implied to be a medical diagnosis or treatment recommendation. This is not a substitute for professional medical advice relative to your specific medical condition or question. Always seek the advice of your own doctor for medical condition. Only your doctor can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.
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