Improving prosthetic results through periodontal procedures.

The purpose of this article is to discuss how the periodontist can aid the restorative dentist in achieving the best prosthetic result. The procedures discussed include: surgical crown lengthening to provide access to subgingival preparation margins, esthetic gingival contouring to blend gingival architecture with tooth shape, esthetic root coverage by gingival grafts, grafting to prevent loss of alveolar plates in extraction sockets and preservation or correction of the alveolar ridge.