The effect of artificial crown margins at the gingival margin on the periodontal conditions in a group of periodontally supervised patients treated with fixed bridges

The purpose of this investigation was to study whether or not artificial crown margins at the gingival margin are compatible with periodontal health. Periodontal conditions and the composition of subgingival plaque of 47 crowned teeth, 22 with crown margins at the gingival margin and 25 with a supragingival location of the margin, in 5 patients with extensive fixed bridgework has been examined 1 year after prosthetic treatment. Patients had been treated for periodontal disease and were recalled for prophylaxis sessions once every 2nd or 3rd month. Clinical data indicated little inflammation of the gingival tissues of crowned teeth with margins at the gingiva while a teeth with a supragingival location of the crown margin, gingival tissues showed minor or even no clinical signs of inflammation. In general, the composition of the subgingival plaque was similar to a flora regularly found to be associated with healthy conditions.