Dealing with biological width is a crucial aspect of dental practice, particularly in restorative dentistry. Biological width refers to the distance from the junctional epithelium to the alveolar bone, comprising the connective tissue attachment and the epithelial attachment, which ideally measures around 2.0 mm. It plays a fundamental role in maintaining periodontal health and the success of dental restorations.

A good dentist addresses biological width primarily through careful assessment and planning. One common approach is crown lengthening surgery, which is performed to create sufficient biological width for teeth that may have subgingival caries, inadequate crown length, or when restorative materials are placed closer to the bone than biologically acceptable. This surgical procedure helps ensure that restorative margins are in a healthier position, reducing the risk for periodontal issues (see more at Decisions in Dentistry).

Moreover, in instances where biological width violations have occurred, a dentist may opt for osseous surgery, which involves moving the bone away from the margin of the restoration. This technique helps to re-establish the necessary space for the biological width and protects the integrity of the surrounding periodontal structures (more details can be found here: Spear Education). Another alternative is orthodontic extrusion, which adjusts the position of the tooth in relation to the alveolar bone, creating the required space for a healthy biological width.

The placement of the restoration margin is another critical consideration. Dentists typically choose from three margin placements: subgingival, equigingival, and supragingival. Supragingival margins are usually preferred when feasible, as they maintain better periodontal health by reducing the likelihood of plaque accumulation and inflammation (for further information, refer to URBN Dental).

The importance of understanding biological width cannot be overstated, as maintaining this space is vital for the longevity of dental restorations and the overall health of the periodontium. Dentists must be well-versed in the biological implications of their restorative decisions to prevent complications related to periodontal disease (as discussed in PubMed Central).

For a deeper dive into the biological width concept and its clinical significance, resources such as the comprehensive review in Cureus and discussions on its anatomical implications (Stoner Periodontics) offer valuable insights to dental professionals.

Sources

Exploring the Biological Width in Dentistry - PubMed CentralThe Concept of Biologic Width in Restorative DentistryBiologic width and its importance in periodontal and restorative ...Guide To Biological Width | Supragingival Margin - URBN DentalA Comprehensive Guide To Biologic Width - Spear Education[PDF] Exploring the Biological Width in Dentistry - CureusPeriodontology Anatomy : Biologic Width - Stoner Periodontics

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