Orthodontic Tooth Extrusion to Enhance Soft Tissue Implant Esthetics

Purpose The purpose of this report was to review the published data on orthodontic extrusion and make recommendations for its use according to the evidence presented, including the technique for use by clinicians. Materials and Methods A MEDLINE search was performed to identify reports in referenced journals in English. These studies were collated and reviewed for clinical and animal data on orthodontic extrusion. In addition, the experiences of our team using orthodontic extrusion was added to the evidence used to make the recommendations. Results From this background information, orthodontic tooth extrusion is able to move the soft tissues when the sulcular attachment apparatus is intact. Bone formation as the tooth is extruded is dependent on the vector of the movement of the tooth. The rate of tooth extrusion is effected by the bone–tooth attachment. Conclusions When used as we have described, extrusion can effectively move the facial gingival margin to allow for esthetic restoration of implants placed in the extruded tooth position.