Crown extension
What is a crown extension?
A crown extension is a dental-surgical measure.
Here, the visible part of the tooth that protrudes from the bone into the oral cavity and is bordered by the gums, we are talking about the tooth crown, is surgically "extended". However, this is not an additive measure, i.e. something that is added, but on the contrary an action in which something in close proximity to the tooth is removed. It is from this paradox that the "extension" arises.
Reasons for a crown lengthening
Depending on the findings (initial situation) it may be necessary to want or have to preserve a tooth, otherwise the next step, namely tooth extraction (pulling the tooth), leaves a gap. This can then be restored with dental prosthesis only with difficulty or not satisfactorily.
For example, this may be the case with a tooth that has a deep hole (caries) near the alveolar process (bone crest). Another example would be a tooth in which part of the tooth crown is so unfavorably fractured (broken off) that the basic care of a filling can no longer be carried out correctly according to the rules of dentistry.
Two main reasons play a large and important role here. On the one hand, this would be the drainage and, on the other hand, the lack of support for special measures when placing the filling, such as the application of a band or bulged (arched) matrix (metal band to put around the tooth to restore the anatomical tooth shape). When drying the tooth, it is necessary to carry out an absolute or relative drying. The absolute drainage takes place with the application and the laying of a so-called rubber dam (latex shield).
In the case of relative drainage, it is important to exclude the rising fluid from the sulcus (upper gum line) with the use of cotton rolls.
Sometimes, however, there are limits due to the defect situation, i.e. the lack of tooth parts, if, for example, the tooth or defect ends at bone level.
Here, with the help of the surgical removal of the jawbone, parts of the teeth that were previously covered by the bone can protrude and thus create an optical and measurable extension. This can then be used to carry out the drainage with the aid of a matrix in the required dry state and with the necessary hold for a matrix or a crown preparation.
Read more on the topic: Broken tooth - what to do?
The cost of a crown extension
In general, the costs of a surgical crown lengthening are not covered by the statutory health insurance companies. If the conditions for a restorative to be performed normally are no longer met, the tooth must be extracted, i.e. surgically removed.
However, if the patient has a self-interest in preserving this badly damaged tooth, the private fee schedule for dentists (GOZ) may apply to him. The costs are between € 80 and € 300, depending on the effort, degree of difficulty and state.
What are the risks?
On the one hand, the risks associated with a properly performed surgical crown lengthening are relatively low because, despite everything, it is still a minimally invasive procedure. However, on the other hand, there are the usual risks that can arise with any surgical procedure.
This would be, for example, an infection of the operating area (bones, gums), bleeding, pain and possibly permanent, i.e. permanent numbness of the nerves in the operating area and possibly swelling of the tissue, the gingiva (gums).
What pain can be expected?
The pain to be expected with surgical crown lengthening is generally perceived to be much less than that with tooth extraction.
The reason for this is that the procedure is minimally invasive and only relates to the surface of the tissue. Only with complications such as an infection can greater pain occur. However, here the individual also plays a role that should not be underestimated, as personal feelings are difficult to scale.
You can read more information on this topic here: Home remedies for toothache
Duration of healing
The time it takes to heal depends on several factors. Essentially, however, it depends on the patient's oral care and the initial condition of the tissues involved (bones, oral mucosa). The degree of saliva secretion also plays an important role.
Healthy tissue realistically heals completely in a period of seven to ten days. Previously damaged tissues, for example from previous radiation treatments or chemotherapy for tumors (including bisphosphonate intake), are more brittle and therefore heal more poorly.
What are the alternatives?
Since the surgical crown lengthening is an alternative to further tooth preservation, unfortunately only the removal of the corresponding tooth is possible in the reverse.
Then, of course, it should not be forgotten that there are excellent implants made of different materials (titanium, ceramic) for every possible case. These can then be used to represent the lost tooth again.
Learn more about this topic: Dental implant
