PROCEDURES
Orthodontic Extrusion (Forced Eruption)
Dr. Levine has extensive training and has published widely on adult orthontic procedures including orthodontic extrusion. This is a technique of crown lengthening where a costmetic outcome is desired. The procedure is used primarily in the "esthetic zone" of the patient where a tooth which has fractured or decayed below the gumline. The benefit involves the ability to maintain the gum and bone heights on the adjacent teeth to the one which needs lengthening. Orthodontic brackets are bonded to the tooth to be treated as well as the adjacent teeth (1 to 2 on either side). Gentle orthodontic forces are applied with a light orthodontic wire to erupt the tooth to create adequate tooth structure for the tooth in question. A minimally invasive surgical procedure is done upon completion to adjust the gum and bone level on only the tooth being treated (unlike osseous crown lengthening where a minimum of 1 tooth on either side needing surgery). The procedure can take 2 to 4 months or more to complete prior to a crown being placed.
(click here for "Forced Eruption in the Esthetic Zone" article)
|
