Orthodontic Extrusion

Reconstructive Surgery When Tooth Loss Has Occurred

Orthodontic extrusion is a crown lengthening technique where a cosmetic outcome is desired. The procedure is used primarily where a tooth has fractured or decayed below the gum line.

Orthodontic brackets are bonded to the tooth to be treated and to adjacent teeth. 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 at least one tooth on either side needs surgery).

The entire procedure may take two to four months or more to complete prior to a crown being placed.

This procedure converts a three-tooth (osseous crown lengthening procedure) to a single tooth procedure, which maintains gingival (gum) symmetry and esthetics.