What is biologic shaping?
Biologic shaping is an advanced periodontal treatment that is similar to crown lengthening, which is typically needed when the margins of a tooth are too far subgingival or “below the gumline.”
Biologic shaping differs from traditional crown lengthening in that it is typically indicated when there is furcation involvement. The furcation is the area between roots of teeth. Crown lengthening is needed to reposition bone away from the margin of the tooth (ie. when more root structure is needed in the event of “short” teeth), whereas biologic shaping moves the tooth margin away from the bone.
Furcation involvement exists when, according to the American Academy of Periodontology, “periodontal disease has caused resorption of the bone into the bi- or trifurcation area of a multi-rooted tooth.” Molars typically have two or three roots.
Biologic shaping is simply defined as the recontouring of bone and tooth for ideal cleansibility. Without biologic shaping, bone loss will continue to occur. Biologic shaping maintains or preserves bone.
What are the steps involved with biologic shaping?
Dr. Lepore will complete a thorough comprehensive examination, in which he will review your dental x-rays and photos with you. Once a diagnosis has been made for a biologically shaped crown, the next step will be to bring you in for treatment with Dr. Lepore. This treatment includes preparing the tooth for the biologic shaping procedure with a periodontist. At this appointment, decay is removed, and you leave our office with a surgical provisional (or temporary) crown. This differs from a standard temporary crown in that it is made to last for months, not weeks. Your tooth or teeth have been stabilized and is then ready for biologic shaping.
Typically your gum and bone tissue will require 12 weeks of healing time before you return to Dr. Lepore for the final step. It is important to note that this does not mean 12 weeks of discomfort. Typically after surgery, patients mention that they are sore for 5-10 days. After 12 weeks has passed, you will return to your periodontist for a final tissue check, who then clears you for your next visit with Dr. Lepore. At this final impression step, the tooth (teeth) are final prepared and new provisional crown(s) may need to be made for you, due to the changes in your gum tissue after healing has occurred. Typically you will return to our office in 2-3 weeks time, and your final restoration(s) will be cemented permanently.
Do I really need biologic shaping?
If you do not want to continue to lose bone, or if you want to be able to keep your gums and teeth cleaner and healthier, then yes you will need bioshaping when indicated. Without bioshaping, bone will continue to irreversibly pull away from your teeth due to the harmful effects of bacteria and inflammation.
Biologic Shaping Case completed by Dr. Richard Rasmussen lll (Periodontist) and Dr. Ryan Lepore (Restorative Dentist
Before and After Biologic Shaping Treatments
Biologic Shaping Case 1 (Before and after):
Biologic Shaping completed by our Periodontist, Dr. Richard Rasmussen III, and Restorative Treatment by Dr. Ryan Lepore.
Photo courtesy of our Periodontist, Dr. Richard Rasmussen III
Biologic Shaping Case 2 (Before and after):
Biologic Shaping completed by our Periodontist, Dr. Richard Rasmussen III, and Restorative Treatment by Dr. Ryan Lepore.
Photo courtesy of our Periodontist, Dr. Richard Rasmussen III
Biologic Shaping Case 3 (Before and after):
Biologic Shaping completed by our Periodontist, Dr. Richard Rasmussen III, and Restorative Treatment by Dr. Ryan Lepore.
Photo courtesy of our Periodontist, Dr. Richard Rasmussen III
