Objectives: The main objective of this study was to assess changes in the position of the gingival margin (GM) after performing an aesthetic crown lengthening (ACLP) by means of submarginal incisions, buccal osseous surgery, and a replaced flap after a healing period of 6 months.
Methods: Twenty-one patients who needed a surgical crown lengthening in the maxillary anterior teeth were included. An individual stent was fabricated to record changes in the position of the GM. Clinical measurements were recorded pre-surgically; immediately post-surgically (baseline); and at 42, 90, and 180 days.
Results: After the ACLP, the GM displacement did not change significantly after 42, 90, and 180 days (4.32 ± 1.17 mm, 4.29 ± 1.14 mm, and 4.26 ± 1.11 mm, respectively). Tissue rebound seems to be related to the distance from the GM to the alveolar bone (AB) at the time of suturing (GM-AB(X)). When GM-AB(X) was ≤ 2 mm, 3 mm, and ≥ 4 mm, the GM rebound at 6 months was 0.94 ± 0.53 mm, 0.10 ± 0.28 mm, and - 0.26 ± 0.40 mm, respectively. These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001).
Conclusions: An ACLP releasing the flap up to the mucogingival junction, with a ≥ 3-mm distance from the bone crest to the gingival margin can lead to a stable GM position at 42, 90, and 180 days.
Clinical relevance: This article focuses on variables affecting the stability of the GM, which is a critical factor that may compromise the biological and aesthetic long-term outcomes.
Keywords: Aesthetics; Alveolar process; Crown lengthening; Crowns; Gingiva; Stents.