Slow extrusion brings the alveolar bone with the tooth, which alters the shape of the crestal bone but does not increase the crown length. This usually necessitates a minor surgical revision. Essentially, this procedure moves the tooth faster than the body's ability to remodel the attachment apparatus. Each situation must be carefully analyzed before proceeding with extrusion. For example, teeth with short roots may be severely compromised when rapidly extruded.
Crown lengthening can also be useful for esthetic reasons.
Surgical exposure of the complete anatomic crown can dramatically improve the esthetics in many of these cases. Gingival height asymmetries may also be addressed with a surgical procedure. Obviously, care must be taken not to compromise the biologic width. Summary Crown lengthening is a valuable but underutilized clinical procedure. It can simplify restorative problems associated with subgingival caries and crown or root fractures.