Biologic Width: Understanding and its Preservation

The relationship between the periodontal health and the restoration of teeth is intimate and inseparable. Maintenance of gingival health constitutes one of the keys for tooth and dental restoration longevity. An adequate understanding of relationship between the periodontal tissue and restorative dentistry is essential to ensure adequate form and function of dentition and Esthetics and comfort to the patients. Restoration of fractured (traumatized), severely decayed, partially erupted (delayed passive eruption), worn or poorly restorated teeth is often difficult for the dentist without surgical and orthodontic intervention. Surgical crown lengthening of these teeth is necessary to provide adequate tooth structure for restoration or Esthetics enhancement, thus adhering to basic biological principles by preventing impingement on the periodontal attachment apparatus or biological width. Many clinicians have been unable to utilize the concept of biologic width in practical manner. Hence the purpose of this article is to describe the biologic width anatomy, evaluations & correction of its violation by different methods.